Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight on the Ukraine crisis. The Union Cabinet Security Council meets under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. Ukraine and the European Union have called on India to intervene to end the war.
At the same time, with the closure of the air route in Ukraine, the repatriation of Indians, including Malayalees, was in crisis. The Ministry of External Affairs is trying to provide alternative travel facilities. The Embassy directed Indian citizens to always carry their passport and other documents with them. Ambassador Partha Satpathy said the situation was “tense and worrying”.
The Air India flight that left Delhi for Kiev this morning returned after closing the flight. Indians, including Malayalees, are trapped in Ukraine. The move is to bring in the western region and provide alternative travel facilities. The Ministry of External Affairs has expanded the operation of the control room, including the introduction of more toll free numbers. More officers will be sent to the area for the rescue mission. There are more than 18,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine, including students.
“The situation is being monitored and the safety of Indians is a priority,” he said. The Ministry of External Affairs said it was in touch with the universities to ensure that students’ learning is not compromised and that online facilities are available. The embassy advised to avoid travel, including to Kiev. Seek refuge in bomb shelters as soon as you receive a distress call. Accommodation will be provided for those trapped. The embassy also said that the social media accounts of the embassy should be taken care of.
Indian Ambassador Partha Satpathy said in a message that the situation was full of uncertainty and anxiety. The Ukrainian ambassador to India requested that India intervene and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi talk to the Russian president. EU Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called