Efforts to bring mortal remains of Indian student killed in Ukraine continue, says MEA
New Delhi, March 3: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that the government is in constant touch with the Ukrainian authorities to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national who was killed in Kharkiv shelling.
Addressing a special briefing on Operation Ganga, Bagchi said, "Two Indians died in Ukraine in completely different circumstances. We have contacted the Ukrainian Embassy and are putting efforts to bring Naveen's dead body back to India."
He further informed that the deceased Indian student's mortal remains are in hospital and will be brought to India after the completion of certain formalities.
For the unversed, the Government of India has launched an evacuation operation under the banner of 'Operation Ganga' to bring back stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine amid Russia's military operation.
Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, a medical student, died on March 1 as a result of Russian shelling in Kharkiv.
Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War: Indian Embassy not shut in Kiev, fully functional, says MEA
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla spoke with Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister on the same matter, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. The issue was mentioned during the telephonic conversation, and the Ukrainian authorities guaranteed complete cooperation.
"As it is a war-like situation, however, we are trying to work in these difficult times and we are constantly in touch with the authorities so that mortal remains can be brought out," he added.
Chandan Jindal, another Indian student, died of natural causes in West-Central Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian forces nearing Kiev, including a massive military convoy, "remain stalled," according to Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby. It is possible that the forces are "regrouping," or that they're dealing with issues like supply shortages and Ukrainian resistance.
According to the recent UK defence intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine, a massive Russian military convoy stretching over 30 kilometres was delayed on Thursday due to fierce Ukrainian resistance, mechanical breakdown, and congestion.
Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine explains why is Russia invading it
-PTC News
