On Tuesday, India advised its citizens, particularly students, to leave Ukraine temporarily amidst the ongoing tension between Russia and the US. It has also been advised to avoid non-essential travel to and within the country. The statement is released amid the concerns that Russia might invade Kyiv anytime soon.
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“In view of uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential, may consider leaving temporarily. Indian nationals are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within the country,” the Indian Embassy said in the statement.
“We request the Indian nationals to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence so that the Embassy could reach them whenever required. In the meantime, the Embassy will continue to function normally in order to provide services to the Indian nationals in Ukraine,” it added.
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Although Moscow has denied its plans to invade Ukraine, Russian 1, 30,000 troops have amassed near the near the Ukrainian borders. The US has warned Russia of severe consequences if it carries out the invasion.
According to the Indian Embassy estimates, approximately 18,000 Indian students are living in Kyiv currently, majority of them are medical students.
The advisory makes it clear that the situation can become worse in coming days. Ukraine is not a part of the NATO alliance yet, and any efforts of invasion from Russia’s end would provoke the US and its allies to defend Ukrainian territory by imposing costs on Russia.
The advisory has also been issued keeping in mind the fast-shrinking options for those wanting to leave the country. The Indian Embassy is now collecting information about the Indian nationals present in Ukraine, and it has asked the Indian nationals to register themselves with the Indian Embassy website.
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Since the registration of Indian nationals is not mandatory in the country, the Embassy doesn’t have an accurate record of the number of Indian nationals living in Ukraine currently. Through the registration process, it would become easier to track them and help them evacuate the country safely.
