Russia says in contact with India over evacuation efforts

India has requested Russia for the emergency evacuation of its citizens stranded in Ukraine through Russian territory, informed Russian Ambassador-designate to India Denis Alipov.

During a press briefing, Alipov said that Russia is in touch with Indian authorities concerning the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Kharkiv and other areas of eastern Ukraine.

"We have received India's requests for emergency evacuation of all those stranded there through the Russian territory. We are actively working on all ways and means to launch such an operation and provide a humanitarian corridor for evacuation of the people there," he stated.

Alipov also expressed his gratitude towards India for its unbiased stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis," he said.

The Russian ambassador-designate also consoled the demise of an Indian student in Kharkiv and assured that Russia will do everything in its power to support the evacuation of the Indian citizens from Ukraine. He also stated that Russia will launch an investigation into the "unfortunate incident" of the Indian student.

Meanwhile, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that of the 20,000 Indians stuck in Ukraine, over 6,000 people have been brought back to India so far and the Centre is making all efforts to bring back the remaining.

Three IAF aircraft were sent to Romania and Hungary on March 2 to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. One more is scheduled for Poland. "The evacuation operation will run round the clock. Relief materials are also being sent. The operation is underway in coordination with MEA," Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh said.

(ANI)