Operation Ganga brought back 6,400 Indians from Ukraine

MEA on Thursday said more than 6,400 Indian nationals were brought back to India from Ukraine under Operation Ganga. "A total of 18,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine since our first advisory was released. 30 flights under Operation Ganga have brought back 6,400 Indians from Ukraine so far. In the next 24 hours, 18 flights have been scheduled," Arindam Bagchi, ministry of external affairs spokesperson said. This increased number of flights reflects the large of Indians who have crossed over from Ukraine and are now in the neighbouring countries. We will further step up efforts to bring all these Indian nationals back to India at the earliest, the spokesperson added. Food and accommodation are being provided for those flying back. I would like to appreciate the Ukrainian government and the neighboring countries for hosting our people and providing support in evacuating them, he said. 

The MEA spokesperson said, "Registration of 20,000 Indian nationals was done initially, but there were many who did not register. We estimate a few hundred citizens still remain in Kharkiv. Our priority is to take students out safely in whatever mode of transport possible." Meanwhile, a top military general said on Thursday that Russia is ready to send 130 buses to evacuate stranded Indian students and other foreigners from war-torn Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy cities to its Belgorod Region.