PM Modi chairs high level meeting to take stock of evacuation efforts

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Ukraine issue in Delhi yesterday evening. This was the third such meeting convened by the Prime Minister. Union Minister S Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and NSA Ajit Doval were among those who attended the meeting.

On Monday, Mr Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts under Operation Ganga to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine. The Prime Minister said that the entire government machinery is working round the clock to ensure that all Indian nationals there are safe and secure.

PM Modi spoke with President of Poland, Andrzej  Duda yesterday and thanked him for the assistance provided by the European nation in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine. Mr Modi also thanked President Duda for the special gesture of relaxing visa requirements for Indian citizens crossing over to Poland from Ukraine. He expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and facilitation extended by Polish citizens to Indian nationals at this difficult time.

Alluding to the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister recalled the assistance offered by Poland in the wake of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. He also recollected the exemplary role played by the Maharaja of Jamnagar in rescuing several Polish families and young orphans during the Second World War.

The Prime



Minister informed the Polish President that Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General VK Singh would be stationed in Poland as his special envoy, to oversee the evacuation efforts of Indian citizens. Mr. Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue. He stressed upon the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.  

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with President of the European Council, Charles Michel over phone yesterday. He expressed anguish over the deteriorating situation and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Mr Modi reiterated India’s appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.

PM stressed that the contemporary global order was anchored on international law, UN Charter, and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. Mr Modi welcomed the talks between the two parties and stressed upon the importance of ensuring free and uninterrupted humanitarian access and smooth movement of all people. He also spoke about efforts being made by India to send urgent relief supplies, including medicines, to the affected areas.

Mr. Modi also spoke on French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine. They shared their concerns over continuing hostilities and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine.