NewsGate Press Network

India has stepped-up efforts to evacuate its nationals majorly students from various conflict zones in Ukraine.

The uphill task for Indian officials remains providing safe passage to the nearest border check-points in countries surrounding Ukraine.

On Monday the 28th February 2022, the prime minister Narendra Modi as an emergent measure despatched four cabinet ministers while designating them as special envoys to Poland, Hungary, Slovak Republic and Romania to oversee and coordinate evacuation.

Jyotiraditya Scindia is on way to Romania, Kiren Rijiju to the Slovak Republic, Hardeep Puri to Hungary, VK Singh to Poland.

Around mid-night the ministry of external affairs press release stated that prime  minister has made telephone calls to his counterpart in Slovak Republic and Romania formally informing them that his cabinet ministers have sent to their countries as special envoys overseeing safe passage of Indian nationals.

It is learnt that Modi will make similar calls to leaders in Poland and Hungary.

Speaking at a special briefing on Operation Ganga, Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson of the MEA said a new evacuation route via Moldova has been opened-up.

India has evacuated over 8000 nationals since the initial advisories were issued by the country and six evacuation flights have landed in India bringing back around 1400 citizens.