Indian Government Clears The Fact Of No Hostage Situation in Ukraine
Today India has denied the reports about Indian students being held hostages in Ukraine. Further states that India is regularly communicating with the students and guiding them in these tough situations.
Arindam Bagchi, the Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said “We have not received reports of any hostage situation regarding any student. We have requested the support of the Ukrainian authorities in arranging special trains for taking out students from Kharkiv and neighbouring areas to the western part of the country.”
Why Was Clarification Needed?
After the Russian Government claimed that a large group of Indian Students were held hostage by Ukraine forces in the eastern city of Kharkiv. The city is virtually under the control of Russia.
The Russian Military informed on Wednesday’s briefing “According to our information, Ukrainian authorities are forcibly keeping a large group of Indian students in Kharkiv who wish to leave Ukrainian territory and go to Belgorod.”
Further says “In fact, they are being held as hostages… Russian armed forces are ready to take all necessary measures for the safe evacuation of the Indian citizens. And send them home from the Russian territory with its own military transport planes or Indian planes, as the Indian side proposed to do.”
Before the claim, PM Modi had spoken to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, about the situation of Kharkiv where the large group of Indian Students are helpless and have no means to escape.
After the meeting, it is learnt that Russia promised to create a humanitarian passage for the evacuation of Indian Nationals.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia entered the seventh Day yesterday. India has advised its nationals to leave Kharkiv city immediately, even on foot.
“The students who cannot find vehicles or buses and are in Railway stations can proceed on foot to Pesochyn, Babai and Bezlydivka ” advisory by the government. With the second one, the government said “Proceed immediately.”
Further said “Under all circumstances, Indians must reach these settlements by 1800 hours” according to Ukrainian time.
