Amid the massive evacuation operation undertaken by the Indian government to repatriate its citizens, mostly students, from war-stricken Ukraine, the country’s ambassador to India Igor Polikha has said that his country is ensuring the safe exit of the Indian nationals.
“It’s a war, it’s a deep crisis... I can assure that the Ukrainian side is helpful to everyone who is trying to leave the territory,” Polikha told a press briefing.
He however cautioned that it is Russian President Vladimir Putin who can ultimately assure the safety of the Indian students.
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“Main assurance should be given by Putin to the Indian students… Ukraine side is trying to help,” Mr. Polikha said.
He said that given the volume of people escaping the country (5,00,000 counted recently) via land borders with Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, there is bound to be chaos at the border checkpoints.
“We are in regular contacts with Commander & local Guards… My foreign minister is getting destress calls from many foreign ministers for preferential treatment. Border guards tell us, how can we push pregnant women. Please dont accuse us,” Mr. Polikha lamented.
As of Monday, there were around 12,000 Indians left in Ukraine. However, most of them have been leaving via the Polish border where they have faced delays as well as discrimination.
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“Stop talking about discrimination and racism. Please stop spreading panic. Me and my people... are in regular contact with our border guards and their commanders. There are untoward incidents with people from many countries and Ukrainians trying to get out of the queue and get to the border out of turn,” he said while downplaying instances of racism and discrimination.
He assured that the Indian students have been provided with humanitarian aid and they are safely staying put in bomb shelters.
“It’s a war, it’s a deep crisis... I can assure that the Ukrainian side is helpful to everyone who is trying to leave the territory,” he further said.
Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a high-level meeting in which it was decided that four ministers of his cabinet will travel to five eastern European countries to coordinate evacuation under “Operation Ganga”. Gen. VK Singh has been dispatched to Poland, Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Hungary, Jyotiraditya Scindia will travel to Romania and Moldova and Kiren Rijiju will travel to Slovakia.
“My message to all parents, guardians, and family members, your kids will be back with you soon,” Gen. VK Singh tweeted yesterday.
