The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that an Indian student has died in Kharkiv, Ukraine, due to shelling, as the conflict with Russia continues. 

The official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “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.”

Earlier today, the Indian Embassy urged students in Ukraine to leave the capital city of Kyiv by any means necessary. While Russia has continued shelling Kharkiv and Kyiv, reports have emerged that troops sent in by President Vladimir Putin have not been able to capture either city yet. Notably, this is the first time since 1941 that either city has been shelled, the previous order being given by German dictator Adolf Hitler during World War II

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As the conflict continues, India has maintained a neutral stance thus far, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking to the heads of both states. Telephonic conversations with Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has helped the Indian government take stock of the situation there. 

At the same time, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, noted that the country was focused on the safety and evacuation of all Indians in Ukraine. Reports already emerged that the situation of Indian students there wasn’t too good, with many hiding in bunkers while the battle rages on. 

India already arranged for evacuation flights, operated by the now Tata-owned Air India. Several of these flights have safely brought back Indian nationals to their home country, but NDTV reports that around 16,000 Indian students remain stranded in Ukraine. The media outlet also reported that till now, around 8,000 Indians have safely left through numerous special flights. 

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Thus far, India has maintained the stance that both Ukraine and Russia should engage in diplomatic talks and immediately stop the conflict that is brewing. However, it has been careful not to take any side, earning some grief from Ukraine, with the envoy to India noting that the Zelenskyy-led government isn’t too pleased with India’s handling of the situation. Meanwhile, Moscow has praised India’s unbiased approach.