"Imperative" That Russia, Ukraine Respond To Safe Passage Call: Sources

The deteriorating situation in Kharkiv is a matter of grave concern. The safety and security of Indian nationals in that city is of utmost priority to the government," sources said.

India has sought safe passage for its students and it is "Imperative" that Russia, Ukraine respond, sources  in the foreign ministry told NDTV today shortly after the government confirmed that an Indian student has died in Kharkiv during shelling on the city. Thousands of Indian students stranded in Ukraine have been desperately appealing for help since Russia invaded the former Soviet Republic on Thursday last week.

Many of the students have been unable to get to any of the border towns. Those who reached the border, say they are not being allowed to cross over by the authorities.

"The deteriorating situation in Kharkiv is a matter of grave concern. The safety and security of Indian nationals in that city is of utmost priority to the government. We had already taken up with the Russian and Ukrainian Embassies the pressing requirement of safe passage for Indian nationals, including students, from Kharkiv and other cities in conflict zones," a source in the foreign ministry told NDTV.

The demand, he said, has been made repeatedly to Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of this conflict on February 24. "It has been conveyed to both their Ambassadors in New Delhi as well as taken up in their capitals," the source said.