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Kharkiv in Ukraine is likely to be the target of a fierce attack by Russian troops. In this context, the Ministry of External Affairs has instructed the Indians to leave Kharkiv immediately. The ministry has also provided information on safe places.
The war between Ukraine and Russia has reached a dangerous stage. Russian forces have stepped up attacks to seize Kharkiv. All Indians present in Kharkiv should visit Pisochin, Bezludovka and Babe, near Kharkiv. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared these three places as safe zones and has asked citizens to reach the area by 6 am today (Ukrainian time).
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi informed about the Indians stranded in Ukraine. The number of Indians leaving Ukraine has risen sharply. It is estimated that about 17,000 Indians have crossed the border into Ukraine so far, he said.
The Indian Air Force aircraft C-17 has joined Operation Ganga from Bucharest (Romania) and is expected to return to Delhi tonight. Three more flights will be operated today from Budapest (Hungary), Bucharest (Romania) and Rezzo (Poland). A mechanism has been set up to issue emergency certificates to those who have lost Indian passports, said Arindam Bagchi. I think it will also help many Indian students.
An estimated 17,000 Indians have so far crossed the border into Ukraine:
So far 16 planes have brought Indians home
On March 4, India will launch 9 flights carrying Indians from neighboring Ukraine under 'Operation Ganga'. So far, Indians stranded in Ukraine have been repatriated by 16 planes. Sources said the government has stepped up its plan to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. The total number of flights has been increased to accommodate more Indians. A total of 36 flights will be operated till March 4 to evacuate Indians stranded on the Ukraine border. These flights are in the fleet of Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and SpiceJet.