Even as tension continues to escalate in Ukraine and Russia following the latter’s invasion into Ukraine, the Indian government has been organizing evacuation flights for citizens stranded in the war-hit nation.

As per the Embassy of India in Kyiv, the evacuation process has been organized with the joint effort of the Indian embassies in Romania, Hungary and Poland. “Today afternoon (Friday) more than 470 students will exit the Ukraine and enter Romania through the Porubne-Siret border. We are moving Indians located at the border to neighbouring countries for onward evacuation. Efforts are underway to relocate Indians coming from the hinterland,” the Embassy of India in Ukraine mentioned.

Over 16000 Indians, most of whom are students, are currently seeking shelter inside bunkers. External affairs minister S Jaishankar earlier held talks with Hungary foreign minister Peter Szijjarto and Slovakian foreign minister Ivan Korcok about a possible route of evacuation via Hungary and Slovakia, respectively. Meanwhile, a special flight of Air India AI-1943 carrying 219 Indian citizens from Ukraine, landed in Mumbai this evening. The flight had taken off from the Romanian capital Bucharest this afternoon.

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