India urges Russia-Ukraine ceasefire for evacuation

Concerned over the non-availability of a humanitarian corridor for the evacuation process amid Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs has urged Russian and Ukrainian authorities to announce a 'local ceasefire' so that Indian nationals can be safely evacuated.

Speaking on a special briefing on Operation Ganga, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "It (Evacuation) looks difficult without a ceasefire. We urge the parties concerned- Ukraine and Russia, to have a local ceasefire at least so that we can evacuate our people." Bagchi said that on the Western borders the things are quite smooth.

"We had requested Ukraine authorities for special trains but haven't heard anything yet. Meanwhile, we are arranging buses," he said.

The MEA Spokesperson further said that the closest attention for evacuation is being given to Eastern Ukraine, particularly Kharkiv and Pisochin.

He said that over 20,000 Indians have left the Ukraine border "since we issued our advisories."

"During the 24 hours, 18 flights have landed in India with around 4,000 Indians on board. The total number of flights that have landed have been 48, carrying 10348 Indians," he said.

He mentioned that sixteen flights were scheduled for the next 24 hours, including Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft.

Meanwhile, a total of 5,245 Indian nationals were airlifted from Romania to the country till March 3 amid Russia's military operations in Ukraine, informed the Government of India on March 4.

(ANI)