New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) sent three more aircrafts to Ukraine Wednesday to evacuate stranded Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh confirmed the information and said that the evacuation efforts will continue round the clock in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reported news agency ANI.
Speaking further Air Marshal Sandeep Singh said that IAF has the capacity to fly four aircrafts in a day to Ukraine and that he is confident of bringing back all Indians stranded there.
"IAF can send four aircraft in a day to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine. 200 people will be brought back in one round. I am sure we will bring all our people back safely," Air Marshal Sandeep Singh was quoted by ANI.
On being asked about the impact US sanctions will have on the Indian Airforce, the Vice Chief said that the impact will not be 'significant' due to the strong relations both the countries share.
Rescue of Indian nationals is being carried out under the "Operation Ganga" launched by the Indian government. And in order to step up the efforts, a group of ministers has been appointed by the government to coordinate with Ukraine and its neighbours.
Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is looking after evacuation efforts in Romania and Moldova, Hardeep Singh Puri is incharge of Hungary, while Kiren Rijiju and Gen (Retd) VK Singh will work with officials in Slovakia and Poland, respectively.
Due to the conflict, Ukraine shut off its airspace and the Indian government had to urge thousands of Indians to take refuge in bordering countries from where they are being brought back to India through special flights.
Until Wednesday morning, about 2,500 Indians have been evacuated from Ukraine.