Expressing concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine following its invasion by Russia, India on Monday at the UN Security Council said that both the Russian and Ukrainian sides have failed to negotiate a "safe corridor" for the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine.
"We are deeply concerned that despite our repeated urgings to both the sides, the safe corridor for our students stranded in Sumy did not materialise," Indian Ambassador to the UN T.S. Tirumurti said.
He also reiterated that the Indian government has been advocating for an end to the conflict and return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue between all the involved parties.
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“As per the UN’s own estimate, 1.5 million refugees have sought shelter in neighbouring countries of Ukraine over the last eleven days. This has led to a pressing humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed expeditiously,” Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti further said.
As of 7th March, 22,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine. India last week launched “Operation Ganga” to bring back Indian nationals from Ukraine via special flights operating to neighbouring countries.
Under this, 17,100 Indians have been brought back as of 7th March.
“We have also assisted nationals from other countries, who approached us, in their return to their respective countries. And we will remain open to doing so in the coming days. More than 80 evacuation flights have been crisscrossing the skies to bring them home,” Ambassador Tirumurti further said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During his talk with President Putin, PM Modi welcomed the current round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. PM Modi advised President Putin to speak to President Zelensky directly to give impetus to the peace talks.
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In his conversation with President Zelensky, PM Modi expressed concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
India last week decided to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the countries, including medicines, medical equipment, tents, protective eye gear, water storage tanks, solar maps and blankets. India will be sending more such humanitarian assistance.
This aid came after the request of Ukrainian ambassador to India Igor Polikha last week.
