New Delhi: Amidst the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian Ambassador-designate to India, Denis Alipov said on Wednesday that the Russian authorities are in touch with Indian authorities in regard to the Indian nationals stranded in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
He said that they have received multiple requests from Indian authorities for emergency evacuation of all of them via Russian territory, news agency ANI reported.
"We are working intensely on creating the corridor and secure safe passage for Indians stuck in various conflict zones in Ukraine," he said.
He further added that India and Russia are strategic allies, and it appreciates India’s neutral stance on the issue. He said that India understands the gravity of the ongoing crisis.
“We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis,” Alipov said.
He further added that the sanctions applied on Russia do not affect India-Russia relations and deals in any way. “Don't foresee any obstacles as far as S-400 supply to India is concerned; have routes to continue with this deal unobstructed. Sanctions - old or new, do not interfere in any way,” he said.
"We do coordinate our positions at the UN and inform India about our approach," he added.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, as many as 7,000 Indian nationals are still stuck in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, a 21-year-old Indian-origin medical student, identified as Naveen SG from Karnatka, lost his life in Kharkiv during a shelling. The deceased was reportedly standing in a queue to get groceries.
The Russian Ambassador-designate expressed his condolences on his demise and said that the reason for his death must be investigated. He also said that Russia has not attacked any residential areas till now except one, and that too was shelled after giving a warning.
On Wednesday he said that Russian authorities are trying to figure out how Indian nationals can be evacuated through a safe passage via Russia. However, it has not been decided yet which border will be used for evacuation.
During his address to the media, he also defended Russia for its action saying that they want peace, and Ukraine is the one that has been fighting in Donbas for years.
He also took the US, an aggressor. He said that India is much aware that the US and its allies make their own rules. And that is why India has supported Russia as a free country and not just because it is dependent on Russia for weapons.