Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi,Feb 24: As Russia attacked Ukraine, the Indian Embassy released its third advisory on guidelines for Indians at 5 p.m.
“We are aware that certain places are hearing air sirens/bomb warnings. In case you are faced with such a situation, google maps has a list of nearby bomb shelters, many of which are located in underground metros,” the embassy said.
Embassy of India in Ukraine in its third advisory asks Indian nationals to head to bomb shelters if they are at places where air sirens/bomb warnings can be heard pic.twitter.com/YmHGZrnZwt
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2022
In Ukraine, there are about 18,000 Indians, many of whom are students. After Ukraine closed its airspace to commercial flights, an Air India flight sent for evacuation took off at 7:30 a.m. and forced to return.
“Since the air space in Ukraine has been closed, we have stopped the measures to bring back Indians via flights. We are planning alternative measures to bring back Indians. Ministry of External Affairs has decided to send more diplomats to this area to help the Indian embassy,” said V Muraleedharan, the junior Foreign Minister.
“I spoke to Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. Indian students in the southern areas of Ukraine have told us that they are getting food, water and power. Students and parents should not panic. Our government has brought back Indians even from places like Iraq. The central government will be able to ensure the safety of Indians, there is no doubt about that. The control room has been expanded, more telephone numbers have been given,” he said.
Earlier today, the Indian embassy requested that anyone travelling to Kyiv turn around and return to their home cities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with the Finance Minister, Defense Minister, and other senior colleagues this evening to assess the consequences of the Ukraine issue.
According to sources, the summit would focus on an evacuation option for Indians stranded in Ukraine. Students gathered outside the embassy with their baggage in tow, according to photographs shared on social media.
