The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said 3,352 Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine have so far been brought back to India under Operation Ganga. Meanwhile, as many as 15 flights are scheduled over the next 24 hours to evacuate the remaining Indian nationals following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, added MEA.
"During the last 24 hours, 6 flights have landed in India, taking the total number of flights that have landed in India to 15 and the total number of Indians who have returned on these flights to 3,352," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. "As many as 15 flights are scheduled over the next 24 hours. Some of these are already actually enroute," he added. Bagchi further said that nearly 17,000 Indian nationals are estimated to still be there in the European country.
The MEA spokesperson also said that the Indian Air Force aircraft have joined Operation Ganga with the first C-17 flight from Bucharest (Romania) expected to return to Delhi later tonight. 3 more IAF flights will be undertaken today from Budapest (Hungary), Bucharest (Romania) and Rzeszow (Poland), he added.
Bagchi further said that cities in eastern Ukraine remain an area of concern. However, there are encouraging reports that some students were able to board trains out of Kharkiv last night and today morning, he added. He also said that India has been in communication with the Russian side regarding safe passage of its nationals from Kharkiv and other cities.
The MEA spokesperson also confirmed the death of an Indian national. "Chandan Jindal, an Indian national in Ukraine's Vinnytsia lost his life due to natural causes. His family members are also in Ukraine," said Bagchi.
When asked if PM Modi will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin again tonight, Bagchi said, "The PM has been speaking to leaders of several countries. We share with you whenever such talks take place. I would not like to say anything beforehand."
