Union Govt To Bear Evacuation Expenses Of Indians In Ukraine

New Delhi: The Union government has been trying to organize evacuation flights for Indians stranded in Ukraine after the eastern European country closed its airspace on Thursday following Russia’s decision to launch military invasion.

According to official sources, the entire cost of evacuation will be borne by the Indian government, Hindustan Times reported.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik had made a similar announcement earlier in the day.

The Centre has been exploring alternative routes, via neighbouring countries of Ukraine.

External Affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke of a possible exit route via Hungary with Foreign minister of that country, Peter Szijjarto.

Slovakian Foreign minister Ivan Korcok has also extended a helping hand in the evacuation of Indians through his country.

Another departure point is Romania. Two Air India flights are likely to depart from Bucharest on Saturday, according to a government official. Indians who have reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road will be able to avail of these flights.

Indians who are still in Ukraine will have to safely reach the border points where

Officials of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have been camping at the border points of Ukraine where stranded Indians have been trying to reach so that they can catch these possible alternative flights.