Ukraine Crisis: Ministers urge PM Modi, MEA to help evacuate Indian students stranded in Ukraine

NEW DELHI: Amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the chief ministers here in India have raised concern about Indian students stranded in Ukraine and requested PM Modi, Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said at least ten students of the state are stranded in Ukraine, and the government is working with the Indian Embassy there and Ministry of External Affairs to bring them back home safely. He said that he will also be speaking to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in this regard.

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Concerned about the safety of thousands of Malayalis, especially students, trapped in Ukraine amidst the Russian military offensive against that country, the state of Kerala on Thursday urged the Centre to protect them and make necessary arrangements for their return.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his letter, has said that among the Indian students there, 2,320 were from Kerala and many were staying back as they do not want a break in their studies. "I am writing this letter to request the kind intervention of your good self with the authorities in that country for ensuring the safety of our students. I also request your kind intervention to make necessary arrangements for their return by arranging special flights," Vijayan has said.

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Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for the rescue and safe return of Indians, including Punjabis, stuck in Ukraine.

Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab chief ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann also appealed to the Union government to make arrangements to bring back Indian students safely. Mann said hundreds of students from across Punjab were studying in Ukraine and their parents were worried about their safety.

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Meanwhile, several students from Gujarat who are studying in Ukraine have made a desperate appeal that they be evacuated, as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in the east European country on Thursday.

Yesterday, Indian students, largely those studying medicine, hailing from Delhi to Gujarat on Tuesday night arrived here from Ukraine and said they were happy to be back in their home country amid escalating tensions between Russia and the eastern European country. Most of the students, PTI spoke to soon after their arrival, said they followed the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Kyiv.

(with inputs from PTI)