With Moscow launching a full-fledged attack on its eastern European neighbour, New Delhi on Thursday called for restraint from all sides as Ukraine sought Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in ending the Russian offensive.
"Modi ji is one of the most powerful, respected world leaders. You have a privileged, strategic relation with Russia. If Modiji speaks to Putin we are hopeful he'll respond," Ukraine's envoy in Delhi, Igor Polikha, told the local media.
"India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not just for our safety, but of your own citizen's safety too, we need intervention of India," he added.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv this morning advised all its nationals stranded in Ukraine to remain calm and stay put wherever they were.
"The present situation in Ukraine is highly uncertain. Please maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are, be it in your homes, hostels, accommodations or in transit," the Indian Embassy said in an advisory.
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Describing the situation as “highly uncertain”, the Embassy said, "All those who are travelling to Kyiv, including those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries."
An estimated 15,000 Indians are said to be currently in Ukraine.
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Earlier too, India had called for a "peaceful resolution" of the Kyiv crisis. "We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told the media last month.
Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday, with its armed forces crossing into the neighbouring country from all directions with tanks and heavy equipment. Global media outlets have reported about Russian missile strikes and explosions in major Ukrainian cities.