Stressing that there is "all the more need" for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Indian government said today that it is assessing the major economic implications resulting from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.  

"Its impact on energy and commodity prices is already visible. The disruption of the global supply chain is expected to be significant. India has substantial dealings with both Russia and Ukraine. An assessment in this regard by the government is underway," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament on Tuesday.  

The statement on the 'Situation in Ukraine' highlighted not just the serious challenges posed by the ongoing conflict but also the massive efforts that went into making 'Operation Ganga' – one of the most challenging evacuation exercises during an ongoing conflict situation.

About 22500 citizens have returned home safely since the hostilities began between Russia and Ukraine, a major chunk of them since Moscow launched a special military operation in the region on February 24. 

The exercise was undertaken at a time when military actions including air strikes and shelling were underway, especially in the eastern Ukraine – including in cities of Sumy and Kharkiv – where about 18000 Indian citizens were caught in the midst of conflict when it began.

Detailing the complex situation, Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha that even while New Delhi was participating in the global deliberations of this evolving situation in the UN Security Council, the pressing challenge was to safeguard the Indian citizens and ensure that they were not in harm's way.

"It involved movement in a war-torn situation in a large country, at times over a 1000 km. And it required exiting border check points that were clogged by an estimated 26 lakh refugees," the minister said.

He revealed that after a 'Situation Room' – it has received over 13000 calls and 9000 emails till date – was established in Delhi on February 16, additional Russian-speaking officers were deputed to the Indian Embassy in Kyiv on February 22. As many as 47 additional MEA officials were also dispatched to ensure these objectives, supplementing a pre-existing Embassy strength of 58.

Meanwhile, under Operation Ganga, 90 flights have been operated till Tuesday, including 14 by the Indian Air Force, from Romania, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.

"The entire exercise involved a ‘whole of Government’ approach with the Prime Minister himself chairing review meetings, almost on a daily basis. At the MEA, we monitored the evacuation operations on a 24×7 basis as well. We got excellent support from all concerned Ministries and organizations," said Jaishankar.

During the period, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself spoke to the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine on multiple occasions, specifically taking up the issue of safe evacuation of Indian nationals, especially from Kharkiv and Sumy. PM Modi also spoke to the Prime Ministers of Romania, Slovak Republic and Hungary and the President of Poland to seek their support for facilitation of entry of Indian nationals to their countries.

"I was also in constant touch with my own counterparts in Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova for similar reasons. Foreign Secretary maintained contact with Ambassadors of Ukraine and Russia in New Delhi, while our Ambassadors in Kyiv and Moscow followed up with their respective capitals," the EAM told Rajya Sabha.

He said that the Sumy evacuation, which was the last one on a significant scale, was extremely complex as the Indian students faced the prospect of being caught in crossfire.

"Their evacuation from the city needed a credible ceasefire, a daunting challenge in the current situation. This finally materialized Chairman Sir due to the personal intervention of the Prime Minister himself with the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia," said Jaishankar.

A total of 147 foreign nationals from 18 countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, were also evacuated from conflict zones and brought to India in line with India’s principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

"Many of the Ukrainian nationals that were family members of Indian nationals have also been evacuated. We also provided free passage to Ukrainian nationals from India to Poland in our evacuation flights," stated the minister.

Meanwhile, in response to the emerging humanitarian situation, India continues to provide relief supplies to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. A total of 90 tonnes of relief material comprising medicines, tents, blankets, sleeping mats, tarpaulin, surgical gloves, and eye goggles have been provided by India till now.

Jaishankar mourned the death of Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagaudar, a final year medical student of Kharkiv Medical University, who lost his life after succumbing to injuries received when he had gone to fetch groceries from a shop.

"We deeply mourn his untimely demise. Our prayers are with his family and his loved ones. Our Embassy in Ukraine is diligently pursuing the repatriation of his mortal remains to India," he said.

He also mentioned the assistance provided to another Indian national, Harjot Singh, who suffered bullet injuries on his way out from Kyiv. Singh's medical expenses were taken care of and arrangements made for his movement from Kyiv to the Polish border. He was brought back in an IAF flight to India accompanied by a doctor arranged by India's mission in Poland.

"Operation Ganga is a testimony of our commitment to ensure that Indians in distress situations abroad can count on their government. We have shown this on numerous occasions before, but rarely in one as challenging as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," emphasised the EAM.

Jaishankar also said that India’s position on the Ukraine conflict has been "steadfast and consistent" as it has expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities.

"Our statements at the Security Council and the General Assembly have urged an urgent ceasefire and ensuring safe passage for stranded civilians. We have also highlighted the humanitarian assistance extended by India to Ukraine and its neighbours at this hour of crisis," he said.

He assured his colleagues in the Parliament that even in these "undeniably challenging times", the government will respond "with confidence, diligence and responsibility that has been our hallmark" to the fast-changing political situation, the implications for the economy or the welfare of Indians abroad.

Also Read: Russia doing its best to evacuate Indian citizens from Sumy, Putin assures PM Modi