As Russia continues to shell Ukrainian cities, India’s evacuation strategy has accelerated, with the ministry of external affairs reporting that no Indians are now trapped in the Russia-controlled Kharkiv region. According to the government, India’s primary concern is currently the Sumy area of Ukraine, where more than 600 Indian students are stranded.
“From Pisochyn & Kharkiv, we should be able to clear out everyone in the next few hours, so far I know no one left in Kharkiv. The main focus is on Sumy now, challenge remains ongoing violence and lack of transportation; the best option would be a ceasefire,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
According to the ministry, the government will now assess how many people remain in Ukraine. According to the report, the administration intends to finish the evacuation of adjacent Pisochyn today. “The embassy will contact those who happen to be there but haven’t registered… In nearby Pisochyn…we have moved (evacuated) 298 students, hoping to complete it by today,” the ministry added.
According to the ministry, five aircraft with around 2,900 people on board had already arrived in the last 24 hours. “Around 13,300 people returned to India so far, and 13 flights are scheduled for the next 24 hours,” The ministry said
According to the Indian embassy in Ukraine, buses have been organized to transport 298 Indian students from Pisochyn in the Kharkiv area. According to the government, eastern Ukraine, notably Kharkiv and Pisochin, is receiving the most attention.
“We have managed to get some buses there. 5 buses are already operational, more buses later in the evening. About 900-1000 Indians were stranded in Pisochin and 700+ in Sumy. We are concerned about Sumy,” Bagchi said.
According to the authorities, approximately 20,000 Indians have fled across the Ukraine border since the advisory was released. “There are more people left in the conflict zone,” the MEA warned.
According to the MEA, the government is “deeply concerned” about Indian students stuck in the Sumy region. The MEA Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that the government has encouraged the Russian and Ukrainian governments to provide a safe passage so that students may be evacuated.
According to Bagchi, the Centre has warned students to take care, stay within shelters, and avoid excessive risks. “Ministry and our Embassies are in regular touch with the students,” he added.
