New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, requested its nationals who are not required to stay in the country to leave Ukraine temporarily due to rising border tensions on Sunday.
“In view of the continued high levels of tensions and uncertainties with respect to the situation in Ukraine, all Indian nationals whose stay is not deemed essential and all Indian students, are advised to leave Ukraine temporarily. Available commercial flights and charter flights may be availed for travel, for orderly and timely departure," reads the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy, ANI reported.
The embassy also requested that Indian students contact their particular student contractors for information on charter flights.
“Indian students are advised to also get in touch with respective student contractors for updates on charter flights, and also continue to follow Embassy Facebook, website and Twitter for any update," the advisory further reads.
Meanwhile, Families of Indian Embassy officials in Ukraine have also been asked to return to India, news agency PTI reported official sources as saying.
According To PTI, the government is learned to not have any plan as of now to send a special aircraft to bring back the family members of the Indian embassy staff as Air India is operating flights from that country on February 22, 24, and 26.
On the 15th of February, it had also advised its residents to leave Kyiv temporarily due to the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement, India asked its citizens to keep the Embassy updated about their whereabouts so that it may contact them if necessary.
Meanwhile, the ministry of civil aviation has lifted the limit on the number of flights that may be flown between India and Ukraine under the bilateral air bubble agreement, making it easier for Indians to fly to and from Ukraine.
Air India has announced that three flights would be operated between India and Ukraine next week, on February 22, 24, and 26.
Flights will depart from Boryspil International Airport, with reservations available through Air India's booking offices, internet, contact centre, and authorised travel brokers.
According to media reports, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of "preparing a full-scale war on Ukraine" under false pretences on Sunday.
"No troops are being withdrawn, as Russia says, but new troops are being added," Stoltenberg was quoted by Sputnik news agency in its report.
(With ANI Inputs)