Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, March 3: Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to operate three more flights on Thursday to various locations in the neighbourhood of Ukraine to evacuate Indian citizens, said Indian Air Force spokesperson.
The fourth Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft arrived at Hindon airfield in Delhi earlier on the day, along with rescued Indian nationals from Ukraine, who were met by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed the Air Force to assist with the rescue efforts in order to boost Operation Ganga’s effectiveness.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also said on Thursday that nine flights took off on Thursday from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland.
“Nine flights have taken off today from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland, including IAF aircraft. 6 flights more are expected to depart shortly. Altogether, will bring back more than 3,000 Indian nationals,” tweeted Jaishankar.
#OperationGanga update
9 flights taken off today from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland. Includes IAF aircrafts.
6 flights more expected to depart shortly.
Altogether, will bring back more than 3000 Indian nationals. pic.twitter.com/gRQ58SvtNw
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 2, 2022
Since the advisories were issued, a total of 17,000 Indian citizens have left Ukraine, and flights under Operation Ganga have been expanded to enable the evacuation of remaining students stranded in Ukraine.