As the tension between Russia and Ukraine escalates, India clarifies its priority which is its citizen and not any evacuation programme. In a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.
“We’ve set up control rooms. We also have a 24/7 helpline. I don’t think any decision on evacuation has been taken, our Embassy continues to function normally & provide services to Indian nationals in Ukraine,” said Bagchi.
Further adding he said, “We take on board developments that are happening as well as our assessment of how we can assist our citizens there. Our focus is and remains on Indian citizens, Indian students, Indian nationals rather than anything larger than that.”
Bagchi clarified that there is no immediate evacuation plan or special flights at this moment. The Indian Embassy is working 24*7 and helpline numbers are open for the Indian citizens.
However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation removed the restriction on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under the bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate the travel of Indians from the eastern European country.
On the matter of taking a stand on the Russia- Ukraine matter, Bagchi said, “Our position has been clear and consistent. You would have seen our statement at the Security Council a few days ago. External Affairs Minister spoke at length during his visit to Australia.”
On February 15th the Indian Embassy in Ukraine asked its citizens to leave Kiev temporarily. The advisory also requested its nationals to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence to enable it to reach them where required.”
Read Also: https://anbnews.in/india-advises-nationals-to-leave-ukraine-temporarily/
