To evacuate Indian nationals from Ukraine, the government is in discussion with civil aviation authorities and airlines

India is in consultations with civil aviation authorities and various airlines on how to increase the number of flights between India and Ukraine. This is being done to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students who are presently stuck in Ukraine and are keen to get back home before the situation becomes worrisome in the East European country.

“We are aware that many Indian students are presently in Ukraine, and their families are anxious about their wards, particularly about getting flights to India,” sources said.

As tension flared up over the build-up of Russian troops along the border with Ukraine, the embassy of India in Kyiv issued an advisory on Tuesday for Indian nationals in Ukraine.

“In view of the 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 Ukraine,” Indian embassy said in its advisory.

The embassy further asked Indian nationals to keep the mission posted about the status of their presence in Ukraine so that it would reach them when required.

“The embassy continues to function normally to provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine,” the embassy said.

Thousands of Indian students enrolled in Ukrainian higher education institutes, including medical schools, and their parents are a worried lot.

In view of the situation, India, which is closely monitoring the situation around Ukraine, has begun discussions with various airlines and civil aviation authorities on evacuation of Indian students studying in the East European country, which is facing a huge Russian military presence at its border.

In the meantime, control rooms in the embassy in Kiev as well as in the Ministry of External Affairs are being setup to respond to queries of Indian nationals in Ukraine and their families in India, sources said.