Ukraine Row: Indian Embassy Sets 24-Hour Helpline

Air India flight decided to turn back to Delhi

New Delhi: Ahead of the initiative of India to rescue the NRIs staying in Ukraine, Indians in Ukraine who need information and assistance can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or MEA, which has set up a dedicated control room. Russian forces have entered breakaway eastern Ukraine areas and Ukraine has closed its airspace. An Air India flight going to Ukraine to bring home Indians is also returning to Delhi.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India's embassy in Ukraine has also set up a 24-hour helpline. "We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Our focus is on the safety and security of Indians, particularly students. The MEA control room is being expanded and made operational on a 24x7 basis," a source told NDTV.

Below are the control room's details given by the MEA…

1800118797 (toll-free)

Phones: +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104, +91 11 23017905

Fax: +91 11 23088124

Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in

24x7 emergency helpline in Ukraine: +380 997300428, +380 997300483

Email: cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in

Website: eoiukraine.gov.in

Recently, last week, the Indian Embassy of Ukraine said it was aware of reports of people not getting flights; however, it asked Indians living in Ukraine not to panic.

According to the officials, the Air India flight decided to turn back to Delhi today after a NOTAM, or notice to airmen was sent to all flights heading to Ukraine.

With large-scale military operations unfolding in eastern Ukraine, commercial flights would be at very high risk due to the chaotic nature of the airspace, which would likely be crowded with military anti-aircraft activity.