As more than 15,000 Indian students stuck in war-torn Kyiv struggle to find safety, the Indian embassy has suggested that they find the nearest bomb shelter.
In the third advisory to the stranded Indians, the embassy said on Thursday night, “For those students who are stranded without a place to stay in Kyiv, Mission is in touch with the establishment to put them up. We are aware that certain places are hearing air sirens/bomb warnings.”
“In case you are faced with such a situation, Google Maps has a list of nearby bomb shelters, many of which are located in underground metros.”
The embassy has accommodated over 200 stranded students inside the premises. The Indian officials have requested the office of the president of Ukraine for assistance.
Follow NRI Affairs on Facebook and Twitter for latest updates. Support us on Patreon.
In a letter to the office of the president of Ukraine, the Indian embassy said, “Embassy of India in Kyiv presents its compliments to the office of the president of Ukraine and has the honor to inform that over 15,000 Indian students are stranded in Ukraine in various regions.”
“The embassy of India would be grateful for their safety and security to be ensured, and they will be allowed to remain wherever they are. Moreover, arrangements for essential amenities like food and water for their survival may be provided to them.”
Meanwhile, Indian embassies in the neighbouring countries are trying to evacuate Indians by land routes. The Indian embassy in Hungry has posted a message on Twitter asking Indians close to the borders to fill out a form.
“It is to inform that embassy of India in Budapest is in contact with the government of Hungry for evacuation through Kpp Tysa/Zahony border. The people stuck in Ukraine and wish to cross the border through the Kpp border are requested to fill the Google form below,” said the Embassy of India in hungry adding that people who are not in close proximity to this border should not fill the form.
Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar has spoken to his Slovakian counterpart Ivan Korcok.
“Discussed the situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate the evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia,” Dr Jaishankar tweeted.