PANJIM: In view of escalating tension between Russia and Ukraine, the Goa NRI Commission has sought help from the Union Ministry of External Affairs for safe return of Goans, especially students, who are currently residing in Ukraine, and are looking for a temporary return to the State till the situation normalises between the two countries.
Goa NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar in a letter to Union Minister for External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has requested for co-operation and guidance for the safety of Goans stranded in Ukraine.
“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,” Sawaikar said in the letter.
“The Goans in Ukraine are in touch with this office as they are anxious to temporarily return till the situation normalises,” he added further.
Sawaikar noted that advisories have already been issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to Indians currently in Ukraine and our Indian Mission in Kyiy is currently handling the matter.
Striking a note of urgency, the Government of India has recently asked the family members of Embassy officials in Ukraine as well as students and citizens whose stay is not vital, to leave the Eastern European nation amid its rising tensions with Russia, Sawaikar said.
“I have already directed the Director for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, to co-ordinate with our Indian mission in this regard. I request you for your co-operation and guidance in the matter,” he said.
