Amidst the prevailing uncertainties in the Russia-Ukraine war, Indian students continue to be stranded in Ukraine. An Air India evacuation flight flew to Ukraine to repatriate Indian citizens. Unfortunately, Ukraine shut its airspace, and the flight had to return to Delhi. Thousands of Indian students are left with no choice but to wait outside the Indian Embassy in Kyiv. Left with no money, food or water and the temperature dropping to two degrees celsius, they are in dire conditions. They will be evacuated through adjoining countries like Hungary. Read on to know more.
India To Use Land Route For Evacuation Of Stranded Indian Citizens In Ukraine
A damper for India’s evacuation plans, Russia’s bombing of Ukraine’s Kyiv airport has left it almost non-functional. In order to evacuate stranded Indian students, rumours have it that India may start using land routes from countries adjacent to Ukraine’s western border. According to a report by Business Standard, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla revealed that the work on the evacuation of Indian students and citizens has commenced. They may be brought through 4 countries- Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.
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India To Evacuate Stranded Indian Citizens In Ukraine Via Hungary
On February 25, Indian Embassy in Hungary revealed on Twitter that they will help Indian students stranded in Ukraine to be evacuated via Hungary. Those who want to cross the border via Kpp Tysa, have been asked to fill out a Google Form. However this is only for those who are in close proximity to the Hungary border. The post further assures that their Missions in Warsaw, Bratislava and Bucharest are also involved in evacuation missions near their borders.
Stranded Indian Students Urged To Use Google Maps To Locate Bomb Shelters
In order to carry out this mission, teams of 10 Indian diplomats have left for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy has strictly urged all Indian citizens including students stranded in Ukraine to stay put. They have been urged to not move out or head to Kyiv. Those who are stuck in the capital will be contacted to ensure their safety. They have also been advised to use Google Maps to locate a list of bomb shelters and underground metros. V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs revealed to the media that MEA is taking the necessary steps to bring back 18,000 stranded Indians including students from Ukraine. He added that the central government shall ensure their safety.