Summary:
Kochi, Mar 2 (PTI) Of the estimated 20,000 Indians, including students, who were trapped in Ukraine at the start of the Russian offensive there, 60 per cent have crossed Ukrainian borders and are safe with efforts underway to rescue the remaining people, the Centre told the Kerala High Court on Wednesday.
The central government has told the high court that under "Operation Ganga", in addition to commercial aircrafts, Indian Air Force flights have also been pressed into operation to evacuate the Indians who have crossed into Romania, Poland, Hungary and other neighbouring countries of Ukraine.
With regard to the students stranded in war-hit Kharkiv, the government said the situation there was volatile as the city was under heavy shelling and it was, therefore, "advisable for our students to stay put wherever they are for their physical safety".
"As and when the situation improves, the students in Kharkiv will be evacuated on priority in a suitable manner.
Our Mission in Kyiv is in touch with most of the students and has been trying to make available provisions where possible.
"The Mission has also requested the Ukrainian authorities to ensure their safety and security," the government has said in a statement filed in the court through Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) Manu S.