New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will issue a statement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Rajya Sabha at 2:30 pm today, reported news agency ANI. He will also brief the members on efforts being taken by the government to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine under Operation Ganga.
Jaishankar's address to the parliament will be important as situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate due to the Russian invasion, which could hamper rescue operations of the Indian government.
On February 26, Operation Ganga was launched by the Centre to bring back Indian nationals caught in the conflict in Ukraine. A team of four Union Ministers - Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Singh Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia and General VK Singh - was formed to coordinate rescue efforts with Ukraine's neighbours.
The government has so far succeeded in bringing back 20,000 stranded Indian citizens in more than 80 special evacuation flights since the conflict broke out between Russia and Ukraine on February 24.
India has also helped rescue citizens of neigbouring Bangladesh and Nepal stuck in the conflict.
In the last few days, Russian military stepped up its offensive in several Ukrainian cities including capital Kyiv, which has forced the Indian government to temporarily relocate its embassy in Ukraine to Poland.
"In view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, including attacks in the western parts of the country, it has been decided that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine will be temporarily relocated in Poland. The situation will be reassessed in the light of further developments," read the MEA statement released on Sunday, reported ANI.
The Ministry further said that it is watching the developments in Ukraine and the situation will be assessed again.