The government has intensified efforts to rescue the Indians trapped in the crane and the embassy has decided to bring Indian citizens home via Poland and Romania.
In the midst of the Ukraine crisis, more than 470 students will leave Ukraine this afternoon and enter Romania through the Sirte border. We are taking Indians located on the border to neighboring countries for further evacuation. Efforts are on to relocate the Indians coming from the hinterland, this statement has been given by the Indian Embassy in Ukraine.
Indians will come home via Poland and Romania
Significantly, the government has intensified efforts to evacuate Indians trapped in Ukraine and the embassy has decided to bring Indian citizens home via Poland and Romania. Two planes have left for Romania to pick up civilians today. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy are in touch with their citizens and making efforts for their safe return.
Indian citizens need not fear
Russian diplomatic sources on Friday advised Indians stranded in the eastern European country to remain calm and stay in place, amid India's diplomatic efforts to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine. Sources said that President Vladimir Putin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night that the military action in Ukraine poses no threat to civilians. A Russian diplomatic source said, "Indian citizens should remain calm and not get upset." They should stay where they are.
Today afternoon more than 470 students will exit Ukraine & enter Romania through Porubne-Siret Border. We're moving Indians located at the border to neighbouring countries for onward evacuation.Efforts underway to relocate Indians coming from hinterland: Indian Embassy in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/OUUTdjSO74
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2022
PM Modi expresses his concern to Putin
An official statement said that in his talks with Putin, the Prime Minister conveyed to him his concern for the safety of the Indian people living in Ukraine and said that his safe return home is at the top of India's priority. According to the statement issued by Russia, Putin said that necessary instructions will be given for this. Sources said that on receipt of a specific request, Russia will certainly provide assistance for the evacuation of Indian nationals.
Ukraine closes airspace
After the Russian attack, the Ukrainian government has closed the country's airspace, so India is trying to evacuate its citizens by land through Ukraine's borders with Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Romania. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said on Thursday that there are about 20,000 Indians in Ukraine and about four thousand of them have returned to India in the last few days.