Indian foreign policy engine room swings into actions, EAM Jaishankar talks to several FMs

EAM Dr. Jaishankar spoke with several countries' counterparts on the Ukraine situation and evacuation of Indians from the country.

New Delhi: Just as the crisis engulfed the world community after Russia's actions against Ukraine, the Indian foreign policy engine room swung into action, and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to several of his counterparts. 

Dr Jaishankar received a call from EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontanelles. They discussed the grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts.

The External Affairs Minister held telephonic discussions with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. He also spoke to the foreign minister of Slovak Ivan Korkok. "Discussed the situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate the evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia," Dr Jaishankar tweeted. 

The Minister also spoke to FM Péter Szijjártó of Hungary. "He has promised full cooperation to facilitate evacuation from Debrecen. Thank him for his understanding," Jaishankar wrote on the microblogging site.

FM Bogdan Aurescu of Romania also assured help to evacuate Indian nationals from Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs said it is working with Romanian authorities to ensure "border crossing expeditiously".

Importantly, he also received a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications," he tweeted.

Works and discussions are on at multiple levels to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians from the war-hit Ukraine. A Team from the Embassy of India in Hungary has been dispatched to the border post, Zohanyi, to coordinate and provide assistance to facilitate the exit of Indians from Ukraine.  "Mission is working with the Govt of Hungary to provide all possible assistance," an official statement says.

Sources said a large number of Indian students in Ukraine turned up outside the Indian Embassy in Kyiv. "Naturally, not all could be accommodated inside the Embassy premises. Accordingly, the Embassy organised safe premises nearby, and the students were moved there. This process took some time given the ground situation in Kyiv," the source told 'Organiser'.

"No Indian national is currently stranded outside the Embassy. As fresh students arrive, they are being moved to the safe premises. The Embassy is continuing to assist Indian nationals, including students, in Ukraine," the source said.

The Indian government announced that it is closely monitoring the situation, and urgent "contingency plans" are being put into operation. "Additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to our Embassy in Ukraine and are being deployed in countries neighbouring Ukraine," the source maintained.