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In the vote for UN Security Council resolution by the US, India abstained as it called for the immediate cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;New Delhi also said that dialogue is the only answer to settle disputes. &nbsp;

The resolution looked to "deplore in the strongest terms" “Russia's aggression" against Ukraine. &nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, the 15-nation Security Council voted on the draft resolution by the US and Albania. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-us-eu-uk-sanction-russian-president-vladimir-putin-top-officials-456616">Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President, top officials</a>

It was co-sponsored by a "cross-regional" group of 67 UN member states, including Estonia, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Georgia, Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom. &nbsp;

China, India and the UAE abstained on the resolution. It received 11 votes in favour by Brazil, France, Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Kenya, Albania, Gabon, the UK and the US. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The resolution was finally blocked as permanent member Russia, and President of the Security Council for the month of February, used its veto. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-censoring-domestic-media-russian-government-partially-limits-access-to-facebook-456624">For 'censoring' domestic media, Russia partially limits access to Facebook</a>

"India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however, daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tirumurti also said that India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, which includes a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the vote for UN Security Council resolution by the US, India abstained as it called for the immediate cessation of hostilities. New Delhi also said that dialogue is the only answer to settle disputes.

In the vote for UN Security Council resolution by the US, India abstained as it called for the immediate cessation of hostilities. New Delhi also said that dialogue is the only answer to settle disputes. The resolution looked to "deplore in the strongest terms" “Russia's aggression" against Ukraine. On Friday afternoon, the 15-nation Security Council voted on the draft resolution by the US and Albania. Also Read | Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President, top officials It was co-sponsored by a "cross-regional" group of 67 UN member states, including Estonia, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Georgia, Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom. China, India and the UAE abstained on the resolution. It received 11 votes in favour by Brazil, France, Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Kenya, Albania, Gabon, the UK and the US. The resolution was finally blocked as permanent member Russia, and President of the Security Council for the month of February, used its veto. Also Read: For 'censoring' domestic media, Russia partially limits access to Facebook "India is deeply disturbed by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine. We urge that all efforts are made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said. "Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however, daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti added. Tirumurti also said that India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, which includes a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: India abstains on UNSC resolution, says dialogue 'only answer' to settle disputes

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help." A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing. The Polish government is allowing people to cross the border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-envoy-speaks-to-wion-poland-will-help-in-evacuating-indians-stranded-in-ukraine-456852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the envoy also talked about how Poland supports "Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression". He pointed, "EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now." Poland itself is bracing with a huge influx of refugees from neighboring Ukraine. Meanwhile, in a show of support for war-torn Kyiv, Poland has refused to take part in the world cup 2022 playoff with Russia due to take place next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-russia-will-pay-a-heavy-price-says-eus-envoy-to-india-ugo-astuto-456606" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis: Russia will pay a heavy price, says EU's envoy Ugo&nbsp;Astuto</a>

WION: How is your country supporting the evacuation of Indian nationals? 
Adam Burakowski: As we know Russia invaded Ukraine, against international law, so by doing this Russia itself excluded itself from the international community. Poland and other countries of the European Union strongly condemn this act and we are helping Ukraine with many things, also with weapons. This situation, the Russian aggression is a very threat to people living in Ukraine. Russians are aiming at civilians. They are attacking civil targets, they are killing women, children, and they just want to kill these people. Among these, there are Indian students who are there in the peaceful country of Ukraine because they were studying, and the country gave them very good conditions. Now they are escaping from the threat of Russian aggression, Indian students escaping from Russian bombs, Russian bullets. Poland is willing to help. The Indian embassy in Warsaw is coordinating this action. They can go to Poland and from Poland, they will be taken to India by special flights. Details can be found on the website and social media of the Indian embassy in Poland. I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India about it but of course the biggest influx of people are not from India. They are Ukrainians because their country has been attacked by Russia and they lost many people from their families, they just want to keep their lives and not be killed by Russian bullets. Indian students are also in the same or similar threats also because they could be killed by Russian bullets and they want to escape. Poland and other countries that border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are providing help.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-romanias-govt-to-provide-evacuated-indian-students-with-food-accommodation-says-envoy-456604" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy</a>

WION: How does the situation impact your country? especially the refugee crisis? 
Adam Burakowski: First of all, we support Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression. Concerning the refugee crisis caused by Russia, we are helping the refugees, even before the Russian aggression, there were one million or even more Ukrainians living peacefully in Poland. They have families in Ukraine, so there are many Ukrainian nationals coming to Poland. And Poland is providing support for them because we know what is being attacked by foreign powers. Warsaw, the capital of Poland has been bombed by Nazi Germany. So we know how it is in Kyiv now it's bombed by Russia.

WION: How do European capitals look at this invasion by Russia? 
Adam Burakowski: This is not the first aggressive act committed by Russia, in 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine as you remember, and now another invasion of Russia but this time it's on a much bigger scale. This is a full-scale military campaign aimed at crashing Ukraine, killing civilians, killing women and children, elder people, so we are really strengthening our security. We are a member of NATO, EU and these organizations help Ukraine, not only militarily. NATO countries sent military weapons, other resources to Ukraine. Also, the EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now. But we are strong western communities, European Union, and other countries the UK, the US, Canada, and Japan introduced very severe sanctions against the officials of the Russian regime.&nbsp;

WION: EU has announced a number of sanctions? how different are these sanctions from the previous sanctions announced by the EU? 
Adam Burakowski: These actions are very strong, not only the sanctions I have already mentioned. There are many other, Russian Banks that are now banned in Europe, also the private accounts of Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov have been frozen because they had banking accounts in Western Europe. And also some, also important smaller actions, like for example Russia was banned from some football games and Poland has made important decision to ban all the Russian civil aviation from the Polish airspace. Even the Euro vision song, Russia was expelled. So every organization which is committed to peace and stability wants to get Russia out of the organization. Russia has been suspended from the council of Europe, really all this excludes Russia from the international community. But it's not like we are excluding them, they are excluding themselves because they are against international law and standards and they just created the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent decades because Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

WION: In Delhi, European union envoys and G7 envoys have met. What is the purpose of these meetings? 
Adam Burakowski: We are united and we just want to show it that we are united. Tonight, I will go to the embassy of Ukraine to commemorate the victims of the Russian attacks because the Russians attacked civilian targets and killed many children. So I want to commemorate this but show my reality, not only solidarity with Ukraine but to show that Poland rejects such Russian methods, that they are using.&nbsp;

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help.

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help." A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing. The Polish government is allowing people to cross the border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles. Meanwhile, the envoy also talked about how Poland supports "Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression". He pointed, "EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now." Poland itself is bracing with a huge influx of refugees from neighboring Ukraine. Meanwhile, in a show of support for war-torn Kyiv, Poland has refused to take part in the world cup 2022 playoff with Russia due to take place next month. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia will pay a heavy price, says EU's envoy Ugo Astuto WION: How is your country supporting the evacuation of Indian nationals? Adam Burakowski: As we know Russia invaded Ukraine, against international law, so by doing this Russia itself excluded itself from the international community. Poland and other countries of the European Union strongly condemn this act and we are helping Ukraine with many things, also with weapons. This situation, the Russian aggression is a very threat to people living in Ukraine. Russians are aiming at civilians. They are attacking civil targets, they are killing women, children, and they just want to kill these people. Among these, there are Indian students who are there in the peaceful country of Ukraine because they were studying, and the country gave them very good conditions. Now they are escaping from the threat of Russian aggression, Indian students escaping from Russian bombs, Russian bullets. Poland is willing to help. The Indian embassy in Warsaw is coordinating this action. They can go to Poland and from Poland, they will be taken to India by special flights. Details can be found on the website and social media of the Indian embassy in Poland. I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India about it but of course the biggest influx of people are not from India. They are Ukrainians because their country has been attacked by Russia and they lost many people from their families, they just want to keep their lives and not be killed by Russian bullets. Indian students are also in the same or similar threats also because they could be killed by Russian bullets and they want to escape. Poland and other countries that border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are providing help. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy WION: How does the situation impact your country? especially the refugee crisis? Adam Burakowski: First of all, we support Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression. Concerning the refugee crisis caused by Russia, we are helping the refugees, even before the Russian aggression, there were one million or even more Ukrainians living peacefully in Poland. They have families in Ukraine, so there are many Ukrainian nationals coming to Poland. And Poland is providing support for them because we know what is being attacked by foreign powers. Warsaw, the capital of Poland has been bombed by Nazi Germany. So we know how it is in Kyiv now it's bombed by Russia. WION: How do European capitals look at this invasion by Russia? Adam Burakowski: This is not the first aggressive act committed by Russia, in 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine as you remember, and now another invasion of Russia but this time it's on a much bigger scale. This is a full-scale military campaign aimed at crashing Ukraine, killing civilians, killing women and children, elder people, so we are really strengthening our security. We are a member of NATO, EU and these organizations help Ukraine, not only militarily. NATO countries sent military weapons, other resources to Ukraine. Also, the EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now. But we are strong western communities, European Union, and other countries the UK, the US, Canada, and Japan introduced very severe sanctions against the officials of the Russian regime. WION: EU has announced a number of sanctions? how different are these sanctions from the previous sanctions announced by the EU? Adam Burakowski: These actions are very strong, not only the sanctions I have already mentioned. There are many other, Russian Banks that are now banned in Europe, also the private accounts of Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov have been frozen because they had banking accounts in Western Europe. And also some, also important smaller actions, like for example Russia was banned from some football games and Poland has made important decision to ban all the Russian civil aviation from the Polish airspace. Even the Euro vision song, Russia was expelled. So every organization which is committed to peace and stability wants to get Russia out of the organization. Russia has been suspended from the council of Europe, really all this excludes Russia from the international community. But it's not like we are excluding them, they are excluding themselves because they are against international law and standards and they just created the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent decades because Russia invaded Ukraine. WION: In Delhi, European union envoys and G7 envoys have met. What is the purpose of these meetings? Adam Burakowski: We are united and we just want to show it that we are united. Tonight, I will go to the embassy of Ukraine to commemorate the victims of the Russian attacks because the Russians attacked civilian targets and killed many children. So I want to commemorate this but show my reality, not only solidarity with Ukraine but to show that Poland rejects such Russian methods, that they are using.

War in Ukraine: Poland's envoy Adam Burakowski assures full support to India on evacuation plans

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and joined by embassies across the region, the government is continuously updating citizens with travel advisories over social media and has begun airlifting the expatriates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-conflict-india-abstains-on-unsc-resolution-says-dialogue-only-answer-to-settle-disputes-456638">Ukraine conflict: India abstains on UNSC resolution, says dialogue 'only answer' to settle disputes</a>

Over the years, India’s civilian leadership, military and the aviation sector have worked hand in hand to evacuate thousands of Indians stranded in conflict areas. That template has come in handy in Ukraine too, where the attack by Russia entered the third day on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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More batches of Indian students enter Hungary from Ukrainian side at Zahony crossing, travelling onward to Budapest for return to India by AI flight today <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainUkraine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://t.co/XleEiGwbyH">pic.twitter.com/XleEiGwbyH</a>
— Indian Embassy in Hungary (@IndiaInHungary) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInHungary/status/1497534668589211649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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MEA has opened a control room, and is overseeing the evacuation process along with its embassy in Kyiv, and camp offices in Ukrainian cities of Luiv and Chernivsti. Joining the efforts are its teams in Poland: in the Shehyni-Medyca and Krakowiec border crossings. Similar teams are working round the clock in border crossings of Hungary, Romania and Slovak Republic. Indians can contact helplines in all these offices.

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Updated Coordinates of MEA Teams assisting Indian nationals in Ukraine ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux">https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux</a> <a href="https://t.co/hXn1pPO4D9">pic.twitter.com/hXn1pPO4D9</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1497229518431424516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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External affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted: “Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania.”

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Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. 
 
Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. 
 
The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania. <a href="https://t.co/8BSwefW0Q1">pic.twitter.com/8BSwefW0Q1</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1497491336597229571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Saturday, several of them boarded a government-hired Air India flight from Romania to Mumbai. Another flight will take passengers to Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-romanias-govt-to-provide-evacuated-indian-students-with-food-accommodation-says-envoy-456604">Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy</a>

<img alt="Indian citizens sitting in aircraft tp fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1268cc13-e8b0-4d2a-aad3-b4b7810ca298" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/air%20flight.jpg" />

<h5>Indian citizens sitting in aircraft to fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India)</h5>

India's trade minister Piyush Goyal&nbsp;received the evacuated nationals in Mumbai.

Air India had said earlier in a release that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest in Romania and Budapest in Hungary on Saturday, 26 February as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens.

Earlier, the government had said it would bear the cost of evacuations.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-deeply-dissatisfied-with-indias-reaction-456600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a travel advisory, the government said Indian nationals coming in from Ukraine who are not vaccinated and neither processing Covid-19 negative RT PCR report will be exempted from uploading documents on Air Suvidha portal before departure. The decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, it said, adding that such passengers can enter the airport.

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All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv. <a href="https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91">https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1497408184058740738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war. Spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and joined by embassies across the region, the government is continuously updating citizens with travel advisories over social media and has begun airlifting the expatriates. Also read | Ukraine conflict: India abstains on UNSC resolution, says dialogue 'only answer' to settle disputes Over the years, India’s civilian leadership, military and the aviation sector have worked hand in hand to evacuate thousands of Indians stranded in conflict areas. That template has come in handy in Ukraine too, where the attack by Russia entered the third day on Saturday. More batches of Indian students enter Hungary from Ukrainian side at Zahony crossing, travelling onward to Budapest for return to India by AI flight today @MEAIndia @IndiainUkraine @IndianDiplomacy @DDNewslive @airindiain pic.twitter.com/XleEiGwbyH — Indian Embassy in Hungary (@IndiaInHungary) February 26, 2022 × MEA has opened a control room, and is overseeing the evacuation process along with its embassy in Kyiv, and camp offices in Ukrainian cities of Luiv and Chernivsti. Joining the efforts are its teams in Poland: in the Shehyni-Medyca and Krakowiec border crossings. Similar teams are working round the clock in border crossings of Hungary, Romania and Slovak Republic. Indians can contact helplines in all these offices. Updated Coordinates of MEA Teams assisting Indian nationals in Ukraine ⬇️https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux pic.twitter.com/hXn1pPO4D9 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 25, 2022 × External affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted: “Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania.” Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania. pic.twitter.com/8BSwefW0Q1 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 26, 2022 × Earlier on Saturday, several of them boarded a government-hired Air India flight from Romania to Mumbai. Another flight will take passengers to Delhi. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy Indian citizens sitting in aircraft to fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India) India's trade minister Piyush Goyal received the evacuated nationals in Mumbai. Air India had said earlier in a release that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest in Romania and Budapest in Hungary on Saturday, 26 February as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens. Earlier, the government had said it would bear the cost of evacuations. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction In a travel advisory, the government said Indian nationals coming in from Ukraine who are not vaccinated and neither processing Covid-19 negative RT PCR report will be exempted from uploading documents on Air Suvidha portal before departure. The decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, it said, adding that such passengers can enter the airport. All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv. https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 26, 2022 ×

Nick of time: India embarks on mammoth task of evacuating citizens from war-hit Ukraine

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral.

During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey. So the last thing in your mind is an announcement by an ambassador. You are in the last leg of the journey back home where your friend and families will be waiting with an open arm... Remember your friends who are still here. And when you talk to your friends who are still waiting for the evacuation, you should tell them, assure them that the entire government of India team is working day and night to evacuate everyone. And our mission is not complete until we take the last Indian out of Ukraine."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "...Entire GoI is working day &amp; night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day 26th Feb in your life...," Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ro4pBGrB76">pic.twitter.com/Ro4pBGrB76</a>
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''The government of India is working day &amp; night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day, 26th February, whenever you feel difficulty in life. Everything will be fine," the ambassador said.

The aircraft, AI1943, took off from the Mumbai airport around 3.40 AM (Indian Standard Time) and landed at the Bucharest airport around 10.45 AM (Indian Standard Time), senior government officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-abstains-on-unsc-resolution-against-russia-calls-for-cessation-of-violence-in-ukraine-456809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian nationals, who reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road, have been taken to Bucharest by the Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in the Air India flight, they noted.

AI1943, which is being operated on Boeing 787 aircraft, can carry 256 passengers at a time, they said.

Air India will operate more flights on Saturday to Bucharest and Hungarian capital Budapest to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24 and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest.

Around 20,000 Indians, mainly students, are currently stranded in Ukraine, the officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukrainian-president-dials-indian-pm-modi-seeks-political-support-in-un-security-council-456824" hreflang="en">Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN</a>

Before the closure of the Ukrainian airspace, Air India had operated a flight to Ukraine's capital Kyiv on February 22 that brought 240 people back to India.

It had planned to operate two more flights on February 24 and February 26 but it could not do so as the Russian offensive began on February 24 and the Ukrainian airspace was consequently shut down.

Air India said on Twitter on Friday night that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest and Budapest on Saturday as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Friday said it is working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-advises-nationals-stranded-in-ukraine-to-exercise-caution-not-move-without-coordination-with-officials-456653" hreflang="en">India advises nationals stranded in Ukraine to exercise caution</a>

"At present, teams are getting in place at the following check points: Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, Porubne-Siret Romanian border near Chernivtsi," it said.

Indian nationals, especially students, living closest to these border checkpoints are advised to depart in an organised manner in coordination with teams from the Ministry of External Affairs to actualise this option, the embassy said.

Once the above-mentioned routes are operational, the Indian nationals travelling on their own would be advised to proceed to the border checkpoints, it noted.

The embassy advised Indian travellers to carry their passports, cash (preferably in US dollars), other essential items and COVID-19 vaccination certificates to the border checkpoints.

"Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it said.

The distance between Kyiv and the Romanian border checkpoint is approximately 600 kilometres and it takes anywhere between eight-and-a-half hours to 11 hours to cover it by road.

Bucharest is located approximately 500 kilometres from the Romanian border checkpoint and it takes anywhere between seven to nine hours by road.

The distance between Kyiv and the Hungarian border checkpoint is around 820 kilometres and it takes 12-13 hours to cover it by road.

(With inputs from agencies)

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral. During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey.

A message by Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from Ukraine has gone viral. During a last-minute announcement before the evacuation flight took off from Bucharest, he said, "I know you have come through a very long and arduous road journey. So the last thing in your mind is an announcement by an ambassador. You are in the last leg of the journey back home where your friend and families will be waiting with an open arm... Remember your friends who are still here. And when you talk to your friends who are still waiting for the evacuation, you should tell them, assure them that the entire government of India team is working day and night to evacuate everyone. And our mission is not complete until we take the last Indian out of Ukraine." #WATCH | "...Entire GoI is working day & night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day 26th Feb in your life...," Rahul Shrivastava, Indian Ambassador in Romania to the evacuated Indians from #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Ro4pBGrB76 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2022 × ''The government of India is working day & night to evacuate everyone and our mission is not complete till we have evacuated the last person. Remember this day, 26th February, whenever you feel difficulty in life. Everything will be fine," the ambassador said. The aircraft, AI1943, took off from the Mumbai airport around 3.40 AM (Indian Standard Time) and landed at the Bucharest airport around 10.45 AM (Indian Standard Time), senior government officials said. Indian nationals, who reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road, have been taken to Bucharest by the Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in the Air India flight, they noted. AI1943, which is being operated on Boeing 787 aircraft, can carry 256 passengers at a time, they said. Air India will operate more flights on Saturday to Bucharest and Hungarian capital Budapest to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. The Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24 and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest. Around 20,000 Indians, mainly students, are currently stranded in Ukraine, the officials said. Also read | Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN Before the closure of the Ukrainian airspace, Air India had operated a flight to Ukraine's capital Kyiv on February 22 that brought 240 people back to India. It had planned to operate two more flights on February 24 and February 26 but it could not do so as the Russian offensive began on February 24 and the Ukrainian airspace was consequently shut down. Air India said on Twitter on Friday night that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest and Budapest on Saturday as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens. The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Friday said it is working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary. Also read | India advises nationals stranded in Ukraine to exercise caution "At present, teams are getting in place at the following check points: Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, Porubne-Siret Romanian border near Chernivtsi," it said. Indian nationals, especially students, living closest to these border checkpoints are advised to depart in an organised manner in coordination with teams from the Ministry of External Affairs to actualise this option, the embassy said. Once the above-mentioned routes are operational, the Indian nationals travelling on their own would be advised to proceed to the border checkpoints, it noted. The embassy advised Indian travellers to carry their passports, cash (preferably in US dollars), other essential items and COVID-19 vaccination certificates to the border checkpoints. "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it said. The distance between Kyiv and the Romanian border checkpoint is approximately 600 kilometres and it takes anywhere between eight-and-a-half hours to 11 hours to cover it by road. Bucharest is located approximately 500 kilometres from the Romanian border checkpoint and it takes anywhere between seven to nine hours by road. The distance between Kyiv and the Hungarian border checkpoint is around 820 kilometres and it takes 12-13 hours to cover it by road. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: 'Remember this day during difficulty', envoy's heartwarming words to Indians evacuated from Ukraine

Indian Union minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the first batch of home-bound Indians from Ukraine, after their flight touched down at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 7.50 pm.&nbsp;

The Air India plane, which had taken off from the Henri Coanda International Airport, Bucharest, this afternoon, brought home 219 passengers, mostly students.

A large number of relatives of homebound passengers were present at the arrival concourse of the Mumbai airport to receive their loved ones.

Upon receiving the students, Goyal said, “Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport.”

The minister asked the passengers to speak to their friends stranded in Ukraine and assure them not to worry.

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Welcome back to the motherland! 
 
Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport. 
 
Govt. led by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji is working relentlessly to ensure safety of every Indian. <a href="https://t.co/fjuzjtNl9r">pic.twitter.com/fjuzjtNl9r</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1497585222359355394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He said the government is working in mission mode to ensure the safety of its people.

Goyal informed them about the talks that took place between PM Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the safety of Indian citizens.

He told them that the Russians have also assured to help evacuate all the Indians.

The minister said more evacuation flights are being operated and the second flight is likely to land in Delhi in the wee hours of Sunday.

He also thanked Air India for its commitment to the national cause, which was met with applause by all the homecoming passengers.

Indian Union minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the first batch of home-bound Indians from Ukraine, after their flight touched down at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 7.

Indian Union minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the first batch of home-bound Indians from Ukraine, after their flight touched down at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 7.50 pm. The Air India plane, which had taken off from the Henri Coanda International Airport, Bucharest, this afternoon, brought home 219 passengers, mostly students. A large number of relatives of homebound passengers were present at the arrival concourse of the Mumbai airport to receive their loved ones. Upon receiving the students, Goyal said, “Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport.” The minister asked the passengers to speak to their friends stranded in Ukraine and assure them not to worry. Welcome back to the motherland! Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport. Govt. led by PM @NarendraModi ji is working relentlessly to ensure safety of every Indian. pic.twitter.com/fjuzjtNl9r — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 26, 2022 × He said the government is working in mission mode to ensure the safety of its people. Goyal informed them about the talks that took place between PM Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the safety of Indian citizens. He told them that the Russians have also assured to help evacuate all the Indians. The minister said more evacuation flights are being operated and the second flight is likely to land in Delhi in the wee hours of Sunday. He also thanked Air India for its commitment to the national cause, which was met with applause by all the homecoming passengers.

Watch | Indian minister Goyal receives first batch of citizens evacuated from war-hit Ukraine

When scores of Indian students landed in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, a sigh of relief was witnessed after having escaped Ukraine, which has been facing the mighty Russian forces.

On Saturday morning, a special Air India flight landed in the capital city for the evacuation of stranded Indians.

They will soon be taken to their destinations—Mumbai—as the government arranges more flights for the evacuation.

Before leaving, the students praised the Indian missions in Ukraine and Romania for helping them reach home safely.

"We were escorted to the Romanian border a day after Ukraine came under attack. We left Chernivtsi early in the morning. We would like to thank the Indian embassies in Ukraine and Romania and the Indian government for taking care of us, "said Suksham, a 3rd-year&nbsp;student from Bukovinian State Medical University.

Another student said that they were evacuated with full security and were provided with food and water.

Also see <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-envoys-message-to-india-bound-ukraine-students-goes-viral-456840" hreflang="en">| Envoy's message to India-bound Ukraine students goes viral</a>

"The Indian embassies in Ukraine and Romania evacuated us safely, and now, thanks to them, we will be going back to our home in India." The moment we arrived in Romania, the Indian embassy took care of everything. We didn’t face any difficulty while travelling. We are grateful to every staff member for evacuating us. Our parents are relieved now that we are coming back home, "she said.

Echoing similar sentiments, another student said, "We thank the Indian government and the embassies for arranging flights for us."

The Indian government will dispatch more Air India flights to Bucharest and the Hungarian capital, Budapest, on Saturday and Sunday to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukrainian-president-dials-indian-pm-modi-seeks-political-support-in-un-security-council-456824" hreflang="en">Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN</a>

Since the morning of February 24, Ukrainian airspace has been closed to civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24. Therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 1st batch of Indians leave from Poland

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-1st-batch-of-indians-leave-from-poland-456841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When scores of Indian students landed in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, a sigh of relief was witnessed after having escaped Ukraine, which has been facing the mighty Russian forces.

When scores of Indian students landed in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, a sigh of relief was witnessed after having escaped Ukraine, which has been facing the mighty Russian forces. On Saturday morning, a special Air India flight landed in the capital city for the evacuation of stranded Indians. They will soon be taken to their destinations—Mumbai—as the government arranges more flights for the evacuation. Before leaving, the students praised the Indian missions in Ukraine and Romania for helping them reach home safely. "We were escorted to the Romanian border a day after Ukraine came under attack. We left Chernivtsi early in the morning. We would like to thank the Indian embassies in Ukraine and Romania and the Indian government for taking care of us, "said Suksham, a 3rd-year student from Bukovinian State Medical University. Another student said that they were evacuated with full security and were provided with food and water. Also see | Envoy's message to India-bound Ukraine students goes viral "The Indian embassies in Ukraine and Romania evacuated us safely, and now, thanks to them, we will be going back to our home in India." The moment we arrived in Romania, the Indian embassy took care of everything. We didn’t face any difficulty while travelling. We are grateful to every staff member for evacuating us. Our parents are relieved now that we are coming back home, "she said. Echoing similar sentiments, another student said, "We thank the Indian government and the embassies for arranging flights for us." The Indian government will dispatch more Air India flights to Bucharest and the Hungarian capital, Budapest, on Saturday and Sunday to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. Also read | Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN Since the morning of February 24, Ukrainian airspace has been closed to civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24. Therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 1st batch of Indians leave from Poland

Stranded students leave Romania, express gratitude to Indian authorities for evacuation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to apprise him of the ongoing Russian invasion and asked for India’s support in the United Nations Security Council against Kremlin.

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Spoke with 🇮🇳 Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. Informed of the course of 🇺🇦 repulsing 🇷🇺 aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged 🇮🇳 to give us political support in🇺🇳 Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1497555947023224836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi was briefed by President Zelensky about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“Prime Minister (Modi) expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict.&nbsp; He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts,” the statement said.

The prime minister also conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine.&nbsp;

He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-approves-military-aid-for-ukraine-worth-350-million-456773">US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million</a>

This comes a day after Modi talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin and asked him to immediately cease violence against its former Soviet ally.

On Friday, India had abstained from the UN Security Council resolution on the Russian attack on Ukraine.

Though India abstained from voting, it called for respecting “sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and sought immediate cessation of “violence and hostilities", in comments that the sources said reflected a “sharper tone” and criticism of the Russian offensive, reported PTI news agency.

India retained the option of reaching out to all relevant parties to find a middle ground and foster dialogue and diplomacy to defuse the crisis.

At the crucial UN Security Council session, Russia used its veto power to block the US-sponsored resolution deploring in the “strongest terms" Russian "aggression" against Ukraine.

Apart from India, China and the United Arab Emirates too abstained from voting.

Watch |&nbsp;Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, residents share videos from bomb shelters

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-residents-share-videos-from-bomb-shelters-456778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to apprise him of the ongoing Russian invasion and asked for India’s support in the United Nations Security Council against Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to apprise him of the ongoing Russian invasion and asked for India’s support in the United Nations Security Council against Kremlin. Spoke with 🇮🇳 Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed of the course of 🇺🇦 repulsing 🇷🇺 aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged 🇮🇳 to give us political support in🇺🇳 Security Council. Stop the aggressor together! — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022 × According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi was briefed by President Zelensky about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. “Prime Minister (Modi) expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict. He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts,” the statement said. The prime minister also conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens. Also read | US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million This comes a day after Modi talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin and asked him to immediately cease violence against its former Soviet ally. On Friday, India had abstained from the UN Security Council resolution on the Russian attack on Ukraine. Though India abstained from voting, it called for respecting “sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and sought immediate cessation of “violence and hostilities", in comments that the sources said reflected a “sharper tone” and criticism of the Russian offensive, reported PTI news agency. India retained the option of reaching out to all relevant parties to find a middle ground and foster dialogue and diplomacy to defuse the crisis. At the crucial UN Security Council session, Russia used its veto power to block the US-sponsored resolution deploring in the “strongest terms" Russian "aggression" against Ukraine. Apart from India, China and the United Arab Emirates too abstained from voting. Watch | Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, residents share videos from bomb shelters

Ukrainian president dials Indian PM Modi, seeks political support in UN Security Council

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Amshipora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. An encounter between terrorists and security forces started earlier today after the forces received input about the presence of terrorists in the area.&nbsp;

“02 terrorists killed. Incriminating materials including arms &amp; ammunition recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow, ”&nbsp;said Jammu Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/export-registration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-goes-up-by-173-per-cent-456109" hreflang="en">Export registration in Jammu and Kashmir goes up by 173 per cent</a>

Two unidentified terrorists were killed in the gunfight. The security forces have also recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had earlier received an input about the presence of terrorists in the Shopian district after which a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was started in the area.&nbsp;

Police said during the search operation terrorists fired on security forces leading to a gun battle resulting in the killing of both the terrorists. The search operation in the area continues.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Snowfall triggers landslides in Kashmir, disrupts road traffic

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/snowfall-triggers-landslides-in-kashmir-disrupts-road-traffic-455740/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Amshipora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. An encounter between terrorists and security forces started earlier today after the forces received input about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Amshipora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district. An encounter between terrorists and security forces started earlier today after the forces received input about the presence of terrorists in the area. “02 terrorists killed. Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow, ” said Jammu Kashmir Police. Also read | Export registration in Jammu and Kashmir goes up by 173 per cent Two unidentified terrorists were killed in the gunfight. The security forces have also recovered arms and ammunition from the encounter site. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had earlier received an input about the presence of terrorists in the Shopian district after which a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was started in the area. Police said during the search operation terrorists fired on security forces leading to a gun battle resulting in the killing of both the terrorists. The search operation in the area continues. Watch | Snowfall triggers landslides in Kashmir, disrupts road traffic

Jammu & Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Shopian encounter

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back.&nbsp;

Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination.&nbsp;

WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. 
&nbsp; 
Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437">Also read |&nbsp;India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources</a>

"Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew.

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The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vizag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vizag</a> and back.. 
 
It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/women?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#women</a> <a href="https://t.co/LGn9F5XY6U">pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1497220796451856385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days.&nbsp;

While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. 
&nbsp; 
According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army.&nbsp;

"I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said.

For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-change-your-photo-on-your-aadhaar-card-click-here-to-see-the-steps-456532">Also read |&nbsp;Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps</a>

"I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. 
&nbsp; 
Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal.&nbsp;

It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back. Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination. WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources "Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew. The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of @adgpi for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms #Chennai - #Vizag and back.. It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are #india #women pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 25, 2022 × At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days. While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army. "I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said. For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage. Also read | Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps "I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal. It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

7 days at sea, harnessing the wind, Indian army women officers sail 2000 kms, making history

Obtaining a 12-digit Unique Identification Authority of India, or UIDAI, number is critical since accurate Aadhaar card information is required to claim several government-sponsored social programmes.

Obtaining an Aadhaar card, therefore, is insufficient.

It's also crucial to have accurate information, as well as precise cropping and arrangement of the Aadhaar card holder's photo.

If an Aadhaar card user is unhappy with the photo on their card, they can get it altered online.&nbsp;

He or she must first log in to the UIDAI website at 
uidai.gov.in/images/aadhaar_enrolment_correction_form_version_2.1.pdf.

Here are the steps:&nbsp;

Step 1: To update your Aadhaar, go to the UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/my-aadhaar/update-aadhaar.html.

Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar Enrollment Form with the necessary details.

Step 3: Fill out the form and return it to an Aadhaar Enrollment Center near you.

Step 4: Before taking a fresh photograph, the official at the centre will verify the information.

Step 5: To update your photo on your Aadhaar card, you must pay a fee of Rs 100 plus GST.

Step 6: After payment, you will receive an acknowledgement slip with the Update Request Number (URN).&nbsp;

Step 7: After 90 days, the photo will be updated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Obtaining a 12-digit Unique Identification Authority of India, or UIDAI, number is critical since accurate Aadhaar card information is required to claim several government-sponsored social programmes.

Obtaining a 12-digit Unique Identification Authority of India, or UIDAI, number is critical since accurate Aadhaar card information is required to claim several government-sponsored social programmes. Obtaining an Aadhaar card, therefore, is insufficient. It's also crucial to have accurate information, as well as precise cropping and arrangement of the Aadhaar card holder's photo. If an Aadhaar card user is unhappy with the photo on their card, they can get it altered online. He or she must first log in to the UIDAI website at uidai.gov.in/images/aadhaar_enrolment_correction_form_version_2.1.pdf. Here are the steps: Step 1: To update your Aadhaar, go to the UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/my-aadhaar/update-aadhaar.html. Step 2: Fill out the Aadhaar Enrollment Form with the necessary details. Step 3: Fill out the form and return it to an Aadhaar Enrollment Center near you. Step 4: Before taking a fresh photograph, the official at the centre will verify the information. Step 5: To update your photo on your Aadhaar card, you must pay a fee of Rs 100 plus GST. Step 6: After payment, you will receive an acknowledgement slip with the Update Request Number (URN). Step 7: After 90 days, the photo will be updated. (With inputs from agencies)

Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps

&nbsp;India&nbsp;is exploring ways to set&nbsp;up&nbsp;a rupee payment mechanism for&nbsp;trade&nbsp;with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to&nbsp;soften&nbsp;the&nbsp;blow&nbsp;on New Delhi of Western&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;imposed on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;after its invasion of Ukraine, government and banking&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Indian officials are concerned that vital supplies of fertilizer from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;could be disrupted as&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;intensify, threatening&nbsp;India's vast farm sector.

India&nbsp;has called for an end to violence in Ukraine but refrained from outright condemnation of&nbsp;Russia, with which it has long-standing political and security ties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-in-ukraine-issues-advisory-asks-citizens-to-follow-these-steps-456443">Indian embassy in Ukraine issues advisory, asks citizens to follow these steps</a>

Russia&nbsp;invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Russian forces pressed their advance on Friday and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;announced so far were not enough.

Officials said the plan was to get&nbsp;Russian banks and companies to open&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;with a few state-run banks in&nbsp;India&nbsp;for&nbsp;trade&nbsp;settlement, a banking source involved in the discussions said.

"This is a proactive move assuming that the conflict escalates and&nbsp;there could be a slew of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;in place," the source said.

"In this case we would not be able to settle the transaction in dollars and so an arrangement has been proposed to set&nbsp;up&nbsp;a rupee account, which is being considered."

Funds in such&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;act as a guarantee of payment for&nbsp;trade&nbsp;exchanged between two countries, while the parties barter commodities from each other to offset the sum, the source said.

A similar arrangement, in which part of the settlement with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is in foreign currency and rest is through local rupee&nbsp;accounts, was also being explored, said the banking and the government source.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437">India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources</a>

Such mechanisms are often used by countries to shield themselves from the&nbsp;blow&nbsp;of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;also used it with Iran after it came under Western&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;for its nuclear weapons programme, the source said.

The programme was introduced in 2012 and worked well for several years.

The discussions on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;were still at an early stage and formal talks had not yet begun between the two sides, an&nbsp;Indian government official said.

EU leaders agreed on Thursday to impose new economic&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia, joining the United States and Britain in trying to punish&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies for the attack.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;impede&nbsp;Russia's ability to do business in major currencies and target individual banks and state-owned enterprises.

The finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. None of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;wanted to be identified as the discussions are private.

Russia's exports to&nbsp;India&nbsp;stood at $6.9 billion in 2021, mainly mineral oils, fertilisers and rough diamonds, while&nbsp;India&nbsp;exported $3.33 billion worth of goods to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 2021, mainly pharmaceutical products, tea and coffee.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India urges 'restraint and talks' in eastern Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-urges-restraint-and-talks-in-eastern-ukraine-455511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia&nbsp;and Belarus usually account for nearly a third of&nbsp;India's total potash imports. It would not be feasible to replace them amid a rally in fertilizer prices to a record high, a senior industry official told Reuters.

New Delhi is also holding a meeting with fertilizer industry officials on Friday to explore ways to secure supplies from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Belarus, said a senior fertilizer industry official, who declined to be identified.

India is exploring ways to set up a rupee payment mechanism for trade with Russia to soften the blow on New Delhi of Western sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, government and banking sources said.

India is exploring ways to set up a rupee payment mechanism for trade with Russia to soften the blow on New Delhi of Western sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, government and banking sources said. Indian officials are concerned that vital supplies of fertilizer from Russia could be disrupted as sanctions intensify, threatening India's vast farm sector. India has called for an end to violence in Ukraine but refrained from outright condemnation of Russia, with which it has long-standing political and security ties. Also read | Indian embassy in Ukraine issues advisory, asks citizens to follow these steps Russia invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Russian forces pressed their advance on Friday and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough. Officials said the plan was to get Russian banks and companies to open accounts with a few state-run banks in India for trade settlement, a banking source involved in the discussions said. "This is a proactive move assuming that the conflict escalates and there could be a slew of sanctions in place," the source said. "In this case we would not be able to settle the transaction in dollars and so an arrangement has been proposed to set up a rupee account, which is being considered." Funds in such accounts act as a guarantee of payment for trade exchanged between two countries, while the parties barter commodities from each other to offset the sum, the source said. A similar arrangement, in which part of the settlement with Russia is in foreign currency and rest is through local rupee accounts, was also being explored, said the banking and the government source. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources Such mechanisms are often used by countries to shield themselves from the blow of sanctions and India also used it with Iran after it came under Western sanctions for its nuclear weapons programme, the source said. The programme was introduced in 2012 and worked well for several years. The discussions on Russia were still at an early stage and formal talks had not yet begun between the two sides, an Indian government official said. EU leaders agreed on Thursday to impose new economic sanctions on Russia, joining the United States and Britain in trying to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies for the attack. The sanctions impede Russia's ability to do business in major currencies and target individual banks and state-owned enterprises. The finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. None of the sources wanted to be identified as the discussions are private. Russia's exports to India stood at $6.9 billion in 2021, mainly mineral oils, fertilisers and rough diamonds, while India exported $3.33 billion worth of goods to Russia in 2021, mainly pharmaceutical products, tea and coffee. Watch | Gravitas: India urges 'restraint and talks' in eastern Ukraine Russia and Belarus usually account for nearly a third of India's total potash imports. It would not be feasible to replace them amid a rally in fertilizer prices to a record high, a senior industry official told Reuters. New Delhi is also holding a meeting with fertilizer industry officials on Friday to explore ways to secure supplies from Russia and Belarus, said a senior fertilizer industry official, who declined to be identified.

India explores setting up rupee trade accounts with Russia to soften sanctions blow: Sources

The Defence Ministry will create a panel with representatives from all three services to monitor its budget spending so that it is fully utilised in time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

The government's commitment to reducing imports and modernising armed forces with indigenous technology has been given further impetus in this budget, he said in his speech during a post-budget webinar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-terrorists-killed-in-shopian-encounter-456320">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Shopian encounter</a>

Singh said he is sure that the Defence Ministry has noted all the valuable suggestions received and deliberated during the webinar and has also drawn an action plan for time-bound implementation of the budget announcements for atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.

"For promoting industry-led research and development (R&amp;D) efforts, I would sanction at least five projects under Make-I during the financial year 2022-23," he mentioned.

Projects under 'Make-I' category involve government funding of 90 per cent, released in a phased manner and based on the progress of the scheme, as per terms agreed between the Ministry of Defence and the vendor.

Singh said, "We would create a monitoring mechanism under Director General-Acquisition, with representatives from all the three services to monitor the budget earmarked, specifically for private industry and startups, so that it is fully utilised."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-indias-defence-minister-tests-positive-for-covid-19-443653">Rajnath Singh, India's defence minister, tests positive for COVID-19</a>

He said the Defence Ministry will reform the QA process, so that it is non-intrusive, prevention-based and free from the Inspector-Raj. 
"We would come up with the IDEX-Prime to support projects, requiring support beyond Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 10 crore. This would help our ever-growing startups in the defence sector," Singh mentioned.

"We have been progressively increasing the capital procurement budget for the domestic industry, with 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget earmarked for 2022-23," he noted.

"I am sure that the domestic industry is fully capable to absorb this enhanced budget. I assure them that the government will continue its pro industry policy initiatives for promoting Make in India with greater zeal," he stated.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry will create a panel with representatives from all three services to monitor its budget spending so that it is fully utilised in time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

The Defence Ministry will create a panel with representatives from all three services to monitor its budget spending so that it is fully utilised in time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. The government's commitment to reducing imports and modernising armed forces with indigenous technology has been given further impetus in this budget, he said in his speech during a post-budget webinar. Also read | Jammu & Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in Shopian encounter Singh said he is sure that the Defence Ministry has noted all the valuable suggestions received and deliberated during the webinar and has also drawn an action plan for time-bound implementation of the budget announcements for atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. "For promoting industry-led research and development (R&D) efforts, I would sanction at least five projects under Make-I during the financial year 2022-23," he mentioned. Projects under 'Make-I' category involve government funding of 90 per cent, released in a phased manner and based on the progress of the scheme, as per terms agreed between the Ministry of Defence and the vendor. Singh said, "We would create a monitoring mechanism under Director General-Acquisition, with representatives from all the three services to monitor the budget earmarked, specifically for private industry and startups, so that it is fully utilised." Also read | Rajnath Singh, India's defence minister, tests positive for COVID-19 He said the Defence Ministry will reform the QA process, so that it is non-intrusive, prevention-based and free from the Inspector-Raj. "We would come up with the IDEX-Prime to support projects, requiring support beyond Rs 1.5 crore up to Rs 10 crore. This would help our ever-growing startups in the defence sector," Singh mentioned. "We have been progressively increasing the capital procurement budget for the domestic industry, with 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget earmarked for 2022-23," he noted. "I am sure that the domestic industry is fully capable to absorb this enhanced budget. I assure them that the government will continue its pro industry policy initiatives for promoting Make in India with greater zeal," he stated.

Indian Defence Ministry to create panel to monitor budget

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate&nbsp;them.

Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner.

“Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective check­points for facilitation through the border. Numbers would&nbsp;be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated.

Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement.

<img alt="Indian embassy advisory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b29b9eb8-185b-467d-9819-0b21b01aef1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/addv.jpeg" />

The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate

"Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states.

"Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437" hreflang="en">India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries</a>

Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine.

According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India

Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them.

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them. Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner. “Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective checkpoints for facilitation through the border. Numbers would be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated. Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement. The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate "Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states. "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine. According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

Indian embassy in Ukraine issues advisory, asks citizens to follow these steps

The Indian government is organising evacuation flights for Indians stranded in Ukraine, sources said on Friday.

According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India.

According to government sources, Air India will assist in the evacuation. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

Indian nationals who have reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road will be taken to Bucharest by officials of the Indian government so that they can be evacuated on the two Air India flights.

Ukrainian airspace was closed to civil aircraft operations by the country's authorities on Thursday morning, and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest.

The two Air India flights will depart from Bucharest on Saturday, the officials said.

Moreover, the Indian mission in Ukraine has issued an advisory, saying that an evacuation route from Romania and Hungary is being established. It has asked them to print the Indian flag and place it prominently on vehicles.

Ukraine has closed its airspace in the wake of the Russian invasion. An Air India flight that was sent to the capital Kiev to retrieve students had to return to New Delhi.

Later, India sent government teams to Ukraine's borders from Hungary and Poland to evacuate the citizens.

Around 4,000 Indians have already been evacuated since the government set up repatriation efforts a month ago. And India is planning to evacuate 16,000 stranded there.

India has identified safe routes that they plan to use to evacuate their citizens from Ukraine.

"The safe routes have been identified. By road, if you go from Kyiv, you will reach Poland in nine hours and Romania in nearly 12 hours. The road has been mapped out, "said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India's Foreign Secretary.

The Indian government is organising evacuation flights for Indians stranded in Ukraine, sources said on Friday. According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India.

The Indian government is organising evacuation flights for Indians stranded in Ukraine, sources said on Friday. According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India. According to government sources, Air India will assist in the evacuation. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest. Indian nationals who have reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road will be taken to Bucharest by officials of the Indian government so that they can be evacuated on the two Air India flights. Ukrainian airspace was closed to civil aircraft operations by the country's authorities on Thursday morning, and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest. The two Air India flights will depart from Bucharest on Saturday, the officials said. Moreover, the Indian mission in Ukraine has issued an advisory, saying that an evacuation route from Romania and Hungary is being established. It has asked them to print the Indian flag and place it prominently on vehicles. Ukraine has closed its airspace in the wake of the Russian invasion. An Air India flight that was sent to the capital Kiev to retrieve students had to return to New Delhi. Later, India sent government teams to Ukraine's borders from Hungary and Poland to evacuate the citizens. Around 4,000 Indians have already been evacuated since the government set up repatriation efforts a month ago. And India is planning to evacuate 16,000 stranded there. India has identified safe routes that they plan to use to evacuate their citizens from Ukraine. "The safe routes have been identified. By road, if you go from Kyiv, you will reach Poland in nine hours and Romania in nearly 12 hours. The road has been mapped out, "said Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India's Foreign Secretary.

India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources

During a call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russia to halt military action against Ukraine and stressed on taking a diplomatic route to resolve the standoff.

"(The) Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue," the government said in a statement.

The conversation came hours after Ukraine&nbsp;“pleaded” for India’s intervention.

During the brief talk, Modi conveyed to Putin to consider “India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students”, and said that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit.

The statement further said that Putin briefed Modi on the recent developments in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-choice-but-to-invade-ukraine-to-defend-russia-says-vladimir-putin-456201">‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin</a>

“Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue. Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue,” it added.

The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest.

Earlier on Thursday, Russia launched a wide-ranging military attack on Ukraine and targeted its multiple cities with missiles and tanks.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-made-a-call-to-this-leader-before-launching-military-operation-on-ukraine-456016">Putin made a call to this leader before launching military operation on Ukraine</a>

At least 68 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed, according to AFP which cited various Ukrainian official sources.

The Russian Defence Ministry said it destroyed 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, including 11 aerodromes.

Ukraine said Russia had carried out 203 attacks since the day began.

(With inputs from agencies)

During a call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russia to halt military action against Ukraine and stressed on taking a diplomatic route to resolve the standoff.

During a call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russia to halt military action against Ukraine and stressed on taking a diplomatic route to resolve the standoff. "(The) Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue," the government said in a statement. The conversation came hours after Ukraine “pleaded” for India’s intervention. During the brief talk, Modi conveyed to Putin to consider “India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students”, and said that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit. The statement further said that Putin briefed Modi on the recent developments in Ukraine. Also read | ‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin “Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue. Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue,” it added. The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest. Earlier on Thursday, Russia launched a wide-ranging military attack on Ukraine and targeted its multiple cities with missiles and tanks. Also read | Putin made a call to this leader before launching military operation on Ukraine At least 68 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed, according to AFP which cited various Ukrainian official sources. The Russian Defence Ministry said it destroyed 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, including 11 aerodromes. Ukraine said Russia had carried out 203 attacks since the day began. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Indian PM Modi urges Putin to end violence and return to dialogue

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. For more on this now joining us is our principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal live from New Delhi.

Sources: Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold talks with Russian Prez Putin amid conflict with Ukraine

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

"We started the registration of Indian nationals...about a month ago...We found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there," he added.

He said the Ministry of External Affairs' control room has received 980 calls and 850 emails.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-envoy-seeks-pm-modis-intervention-in-russia-ukraine-conflict-cites-chanakya-and-kautilya-456035">Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya</a>

During a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine is the government's top priority.

At a press conference on the crisis, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated this. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

He went on to say that the situation on the ground is challenging and changing swiftly.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-envoy-to-india-addresses-the-media-about-ongoing-russian-invasion-456020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We started the registration of Indian nationals...about a month ago...We found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there," he added. He said the Ministry of External Affairs' control room has received 980 calls and 850 emails. ALSO READ | Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya During a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine is the government's top priority. At a press conference on the crisis, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated this. Also read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise He went on to say that the situation on the ground is challenging and changing swiftly. Watch | Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion (With inputs from agencies)

4,000 Indians left Ukraine recently: Govt on Russia-Ukraine war

India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".&nbsp;

India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation."

He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account.&nbsp;

"Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said.&nbsp;

Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well.&nbsp;

Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty.&nbsp;

Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story.

"We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave".&nbsp;

Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back.

Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border.

India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine."&nbsp;

"Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

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India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".

India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation". India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation." He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account. "Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said. Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well. Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty. Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story. "We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave". Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back. Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border. India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears. Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine." "Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

'If not handled carefully...': Amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, India calls for immediate de-escalation

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data&nbsp;which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state.

Moreover, the value of exports from the last five years has increased from US$ 124.47 million to US$ 159.64 million.

IEC is a key business identification number that is mandatory for exports or imports. According to the government, the number of IECs issued in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 204 registrations in 2020 to 557 in 2021.

Such numbers were achieved thanks to a joint initiative Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion and Organisation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

The collaboration was aimed to achieve the vision of export promotion under the Government of India’s vision of the ‘District as Export Hub’ initiative.

They had organised various registration drives, training-cum-capacity building workshops for strengthening the export scenario of J&amp;K.

More than 40 items from 20 districts of J&amp;K under the One District One Product have been selected and finalized by apex level Export Promotion Committee.

“A series of buyer-seller meets have been organised in association with different consulates in order to promote various products from Agriculture &amp; Handloom and Handicraft Sector and intends to do the same in near future also,” the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a statement.&nbsp;

The government intends to create an international brand for all the identified local products and give all the necessary support to interested exporters for promotion of their products and making connections with interested importers.

“As per the vision of the Prime Minister each district of our country has a diverse identity and potential for global market and we from the Department of Industries and Commerce have reached out to existing and potential Exporters. The UT of J&amp;K under the active guidance of Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir is now on a fast transition path for opening global markets for the UT’s products and services,” said Ankita Kar, Managing Director, JKTPO.&nbsp;

The government expects the numbers of the registration of Importer-Exporter Code to go further up in 2022.&nbsp;

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state.

The export registration in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up by 173 per cent in 2021, government data has revealed. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir shared the data which showed that a total of 2,863 Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) registrations have been done till date in the state. Moreover, the value of exports from the last five years has increased from US$ 124.47 million to US$ 159.64 million. IEC is a key business identification number that is mandatory for exports or imports. According to the government, the number of IECs issued in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from 204 registrations in 2020 to 557 in 2021. Such numbers were achieved thanks to a joint initiative Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion and Organisation in collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The collaboration was aimed to achieve the vision of export promotion under the Government of India’s vision of the ‘District as Export Hub’ initiative. They had organised various registration drives, training-cum-capacity building workshops for strengthening the export scenario of J&K. More than 40 items from 20 districts of J&K under the One District One Product have been selected and finalized by apex level Export Promotion Committee. “A series of buyer-seller meets have been organised in association with different consulates in order to promote various products from Agriculture & Handloom and Handicraft Sector and intends to do the same in near future also,” the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a statement. The government intends to create an international brand for all the identified local products and give all the necessary support to interested exporters for promotion of their products and making connections with interested importers. “As per the vision of the Prime Minister each district of our country has a diverse identity and potential for global market and we from the Department of Industries and Commerce have reached out to existing and potential Exporters. The UT of J&K under the active guidance of Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir is now on a fast transition path for opening global markets for the UT’s products and services,” said Ankita Kar, Managing Director, JKTPO. The government expects the numbers of the registration of Importer-Exporter Code to go further up in 2022.

Export registration in Jammu and Kashmir goes up by 173 per cent

Amid the volatile situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has written to the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, seeking special evacuation flights for Tamil people stuck in the country.

Amid the volatile situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has written to the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, seeking special evacuation flights for Tamil people stuck in the country. Stating that nearly 5,000 students and other emigrants from Tamil Nadu were stuck in the war-torn nation, MK Stalin said that the state government had been receiving distress calls from parents and family members, requesting evacuation. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia Amid worrying situation in Ukraine @CMOTamilnadu request to @DrSJaishankar : Nearly 5000 students from #TamilNadu , pursuing prof courses in #Ukraine Arrange special evacuation flights similar to vande Bharat Appoint a nodal officer for coordinating with TN govt#India pic.twitter.com/IwhTP6Pc7S — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 24, 2022 × In the letter, he added that the state government had opened an around-the-clock help desk and a State Nodal officer to coordinate with the government of India, the families of the students and the respective district administration in Tamil Nadu. It was also requested that a nodal officer be nominated to coordinate with the Tamil Nadu government, given the high number of students from the state.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister requests govt of India to operate evacuation flights from Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian forces fired missiles at several targets as loud explosions were reported in Ukraine, officials and media said on Thursday (February 24). Reports also mentioned that Russia has landed troops on its coast after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. Amid escalating tensions, high-level meetings are underway in India's Ministry of External Affairs to discuss the contingency plans that are being put into operation to activate alternate routes to bring back stranded citizens from Ukraine, sources claimed. Ukrainian authorities closed the airspace to civilian flights citing a high risk to safety and given airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are being activated. Additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to our Embassy in Ukraine and are being deployed in countries neighbouring Ukraine. Sources further informed that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is functional and its advisories should be followed carefully. Watch WION's report: High-level discussions are underway at MEA. How is India planning its response considering there are several students in Ukraine?@PriyankaSh25 talks to @sidhant for details Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/m7hWNj6dsg — WION (@WIONews) February 24, 2022 × Meanwhile, a special Air India flight returning from mid-air as Ukraine airspace is closed due to notice to airmen (NOTAM) as war has been started between Russia and Ukraine. India-based news agency ANI reported citing sources that an empty flight of Air India AI-1947 is returning from over Iran air space as Ukraine imposed restrictions on civilian aircraft. "Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM at, Kyiv, Ukraine," Air India informed. Previously, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation." He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account. "Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said. WATCH: India closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine amid Russian invasion ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: How is India responding, as Indian students are stuck?

India’s Covid inoculation programme is largely driven by Indian made vaccines.

Even though Russia’s Sputnik and Johnson &amp; Johnson's single-dose vaccine were given a go-ahead by the Indian drug regulatory authority, it was Indian made Covaxin and Covishield that was widely used under the government-run vaccine programme.

But it begs the question as to why Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were not available in India.

For the first time, India’s health minister has revealed the reasons that forced India to rely heavily on indigenous vaccines.

When India was reporting more than 100,000 Covid cases in November 2021, it was negotiating with Moderna and Pfizer to secure their vaccines.

However, the negotiation&nbsp;fell through and India went ahead with its own inoculation plan.

It was never revealed before as to why the discussions didn’t work out, even as the Indian government faced mounting criticism.

But during the book launch of ‘A Nation to Protect’ in New Delhi, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed why the Indian government didn’t procure the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna. &nbsp;

When Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief&nbsp;of WION, asked about the reasons, Mandaviya said that Moderna and Pfizer had placed a condition before the Indian government that it would only their vaccines if an indemnity clause is signed.

It means that if there is any side effect or if someone dies after taking the vaccine, then the company will not be held accountable and prosecuted under Indian law.

This caused problems for India.

The health minister said that it didn’t seem wise for the Indian government to accept their demands, and instead went ahead with the indigenous vaccines.

Watch |&nbsp;WION speaks to Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya: 'New India will run by its own rules'

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India’s Covid inoculation programme is largely driven by Indian made vaccines. Even though Russia’s Sputnik and Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine were given a go-ahead by the Indian drug regulatory authority, it was Indian made Covaxin and Covishield that was widely used under the government-run vaccine programme.

India’s Covid inoculation programme is largely driven by Indian made vaccines. Even though Russia’s Sputnik and Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine were given a go-ahead by the Indian drug regulatory authority, it was Indian made Covaxin and Covishield that was widely used under the government-run vaccine programme. But it begs the question as to why Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were not available in India. For the first time, India’s health minister has revealed the reasons that forced India to rely heavily on indigenous vaccines. When India was reporting more than 100,000 Covid cases in November 2021, it was negotiating with Moderna and Pfizer to secure their vaccines. However, the negotiation fell through and India went ahead with its own inoculation plan. It was never revealed before as to why the discussions didn’t work out, even as the Indian government faced mounting criticism. But during the book launch of ‘A Nation to Protect’ in New Delhi, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed why the Indian government didn’t procure the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna. When Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief of WION, asked about the reasons, Mandaviya said that Moderna and Pfizer had placed a condition before the Indian government that it would only their vaccines if an indemnity clause is signed. It means that if there is any side effect or if someone dies after taking the vaccine, then the company will not be held accountable and prosecuted under Indian law. This caused problems for India. The health minister said that it didn’t seem wise for the Indian government to accept their demands, and instead went ahead with the indigenous vaccines. Watch | WION speaks to Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya: 'New India will run by its own rules'

Why were Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not available in India? Health minister responds

Sri Lanka's financial crisis is only getting worse with each passing day and now India has offered help to the debt-laden country in overcoming the crisis. Sri Lanka is battling economic crisis prompted by a shortage of foreign exchange reserves and surging inflation.

Sri Lanka faces economic crisis, India ready to make investment in island-nation

An Air India flight from Ukraine landed at Delhi airport on Tuesday night.

The flight AI 1946 comprised mostly of students. The Indian embassy in Kyiv had earlier asked students to temporarily leave the country amid the rising tensions in the region after President Putin said his regime would recognise two areas in eastern Ukraine escalating tensions with the West.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-crisis-japan-to-impose-sanctions-on-russia-455211">Also Read |&nbsp;Live Blog: Ukraine crisis as it happens&nbsp;</a>

There were at least 240 Indians onboard the flight. Air India had announced that it would operate three flights between India and Ukraine on February 22, 24 and 26.

The students who were mostly studying medicine landed at Delhi airport. They were received by their parents after an anxious wait at the arrival lounge.

Minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan in a tweet said Indians and students belonging to various states are returning from Ukraine to Delhi.

(With inputs from Agencies)

An Air India flight from Ukraine landed at Delhi airport on Tuesday night. The flight AI 1946 comprised mostly of students. The Indian embassy in Kyiv had earlier asked students to temporarily leave the country amid the rising tensions in the region after President Putin said his regime would recognise two areas in eastern Ukraine escalating tensions with the West.

An Air India flight from Ukraine landed at Delhi airport on Tuesday night. The flight AI 1946 comprised mostly of students. The Indian embassy in Kyiv had earlier asked students to temporarily leave the country amid the rising tensions in the region after President Putin said his regime would recognise two areas in eastern Ukraine escalating tensions with the West. Also Read | Live Blog: Ukraine crisis as it happens There were at least 240 Indians onboard the flight. Air India had announced that it would operate three flights between India and Ukraine on February 22, 24 and 26. The students who were mostly studying medicine landed at Delhi airport. They were received by their parents after an anxious wait at the arrival lounge. Minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan in a tweet said Indians and students belonging to various states are returning from Ukraine to Delhi. (With inputs from Agencies)

Indians arrive in Air India flight from Ukraine

'Veer Helmet': Special ballistic helmets for Sikh soldiers

Winter chill has gripped various parts of the Kashmir valley in northern India, the valley has been blanketed in white due to the heavy snowfall. The heavy snowfall has triggered landslides in the region which led to the disruption of road traffic across Kashmir and also led to the shutdown of the Srinagar's Jammu highway.

Snowfall triggers landslides in Kashmir, disrupts road traffic

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