India recommended its people, particularly students, on Tuesday to temporarily leave Ukraine due to ‘uncertainties.’ Additionally, it urged citizens to abstain from unnecessary travel to and within the country. Around 20,000 Indian students study in Ukraine.
According to a statement from the Embassy in Kyiv, “in light of the current uncertainty in Ukraine, Indian nationals in the country, particularly students whose stay is not necessary, may consider departing temporarily.” Additionally, Indian people are urged to abstain from all non-essential travel to and inside Ukraine.
Embassy of India in Kyiv released a statement
“Indians are requested to keep the Embassy informed of their status in Ukraine in order for the Embassy to contact them if necessary. The Embassy continues to operate normally, providing all necessary services to Indian people in Ukraine,” the statement continued.
The decision comes amid fears of a Russian invasion of Kyiv. Though Moscow denies any intention of invading Ukraine, Putin’s forces have amassed well over 130,000 troops near the country’s frontiers.
The US declared earlier this year that it will close its embassy in Ukraine and relocate its staff to a city near the Polish border. Additionally, it sent many warnings to American citizens in Ukraine, advising them to leave immediately and register with the embassy if they wish to remain.
According to an Associated Press story, the US said that a small number of embassy workers from Kyiv will relocate to Lviv, where they will provide limited consular services to Americans and maintain contact with the Ukrainian government.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated last week that Russia may invade Ukraine during this year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing. “We are in a period where an invasion might occur at any time, and to be clear, that includes during the Olympics,” Blinken told the Associated Press. On February 20, the Olympic Games are set to conclude.