External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar
Amid the looming threat over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, Goa NRI Commissioner Advocate Narendra Sawaikar has written a letter to Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar seeking help for the safe return of the Goans, who desire to temporarily return till the situation gets normal, to India.
In the letter to External Affairs Minister, Sawikar wrote, "Many Goans are currently residing in Ukraine due to various purposes including higher studies and due to the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine, I have started receiving requests for help and assistance from them to return back to India."
He further said that Goans in Ukraine are in touch with this office as "they are anxious to temporarily return till the situation normalises."
India has already advised its citizens in Ukraine to consider leaving the country temporarily. The Indian mission in Kyiv has asked Indians, particularly students whose stay is not essential, to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of uncertainties of the current situation.
The Indian embassy in Kyiv has also asked Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine.
Goa NRI Commission has received requests from two students stuck in Ukraine seeking help to get back home safely at the earliest. Over 20,000 Indians are presently in Ukraine including 18,000 students.