Ukraine: Indian student killed in shelling in Kharkiv; Modi govt calls Russia, Ukraine envoys

In grim news coming in from Ukraine, an Indian national has been killed in fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

The Indian government confirmed the news, with foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeting the news. The government said, "With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning. The Ministry is in touch with his family. We convey our deepest condolences to the family."

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The government spokesperson added that Foreign Secretary Arindam Bagchi was calling up Ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate the demand for urgent safe passage for Indian nationals who are still in Kharkiv and cities in other conflict zones.

Earlier in the day, the Modi government had told Indian citizens in Ukraine's capital Kyiv to leave the city urgently by any means available.

The government is currently conducting evacuation under Operation Ganga to rescue Indians stuck in the war-torn country. The Indian Air Force is being pressed into service, along with Air India to fly Indians back from Ukraine's neighbouring nations.