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Over 13,300 people brought back from Ukraine, nearly all Indians left Kharkiv: MEA

More than 13,300 Indians stranded in Ukraine have been brought in 63 flights, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

Addressing a press briefing, the MEA said, “A large number of Indians have left Ukraine. There aren’t too many Indian citizens left, apart from Sumy and some areas.”

“The embassy will try to contact anyone who happens to still be there. Almost all Indians have left Kharkiv city,” he said.

The embassy is going to take a fresh look at who is left behind and in which city. As per our assessment, the number is not very high. He assured that everyone from Pisochyn and Kharkiv would be cleared out in the next few hours.

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“From Pisochyn & Kharkiv, we should be able to clear out everyone in the next few hours. So far I know no one left in Kharkhiv,” he said.

Indian nationals after being evacuated from crisis-hit Ukraine at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad on March 3. (Photo: PTI)

Further, he said, “The main focus is on Sumy now. The challenge remains ongoing violence and lack of transportation. The best option would be a ceasefire,” the MEA said.

MEA asks Russia, Ukraine to create safe corridor for Indian students stuck in Sumy

Earlier, the MEA issued an advisory to Indian students trapped in Sumy asking them to stay inside while assuring that a safe corridor for students to pass is being negotiated with both the Russian and Ukrainian governments.

Taking to Twitter, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote: “We are deeply concerned about Indian students in Sumy, Ukraine. Have strongly pressed Russian and Ukrainian governments through multiple channels for an immediate ceasefire to create a safe corridor for our students.”

The MEA said that there are some obstacles in evacuation from Sumy city. The MEA said, “We always have contingencies. We have our teams on the Russian side. We are trying to go to east Ukraine. But the problem is that shelling is happening not very far from there. The primary requirement is having a safe route.”

On video released by Indians stuck in Sumy, the MEA said, “I understand their pain. I can imagine the feeling of being left out. Happy they are safe, in a secure space. Students have gone back to shelters .. they are inside. Electricity is back up.”

READ | Indian doctor stays back in Kyiv, says won’t leave until all students evacuated

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