Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, India has been on a mission to pull out its citizens from Ukraine. An Air India special aircraft left for Ukraine on Tuesday morning to bring back Indians trapped in the former Soviet state, which has been mired in growing tensions between Russia and the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flight that left for Ukraine is a Dreamliner B-787. The aircraft has a capacity of over 200 seats and has been deployed for the special operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air India announced on February 18 that three Vande Bharat Misson (VBM) flights between India and Ukraine will be undertaken this month. This happened just a day after the Indian government lifted the limitations on the number of flights between India and Ukraine under the air bubble agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flights have been scheduled for February 22, February 24 and February 26. The flights will be operated to and from Ukraine’s largest airport, Boryspil International Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The increase of hostilities, India said, was a source of great concern, and that the de-escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be the urgent priority. India has emphasised repeatedly that the safety and well-being of its citizens is a top concern. Last week, during a UN Security Council briefing on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements on Ukraine, India emphasised the importance of calm and productive diplomacy, cautioning against any actions that may escalate tensions. The Russian embassy in India praised India’s attitude as balanced, principled, and autonomous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n