Russia - Ukraine Crisis: Indian Student Killed In Kharkiv Shelling

Indian student killed in Ukraine: According to a report, an Indian student was killed in an intensive shelling in Kharkiv this morning during the war in Ukraine. The student has been identified as Naveen from Karnataka. According to his friends, they had left for the train station to leave for Lviv to reach the western border. 

The confirmation about the same has been given by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar was a 21-year-old student from Chalageri village in Karnataka. He was standing in a queue at a supermarket in Kharkiv, Ukraine to buy food when he died in a Russian shelling. He died in the airstrike, the Indian government said, confirming the deceased student's identity.

Indian students stuck in Ukraine have been facing a harrowing time. The Embassy of India in Ukraine has released an advisory to Indians in Kyiv urging all Indian nationals including students to leave Kyiv urgently. It suggested that they can do this by available trains or through any other means available. It also requested all Indian nationals/students to remain calm, peaceful, and united. A large crowd can be expected at the railway stations, therefore, it is advised that all Indian students remain patient, composed and especially not exhibit aggressive behaviour while at the railway station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called on the Indian Air Force to join the efforts to evacuate Indians who are stranded in Ukraine under Operation Ganga.

India has also reached out to Poland and Romania for help in the evacuation of Indian students stuck in war-torn Ukraine to safety and both countries were ready to cooperate. The Indian government has started special flights to Ukraine to bring back Indian students. A lot of Indian students are stuck in bunkers and are struggling with limited or no food and water supplies.

Another Indian student who made headlines was a 17-year-old girl from Haryana who has been living as a paying guest with a Ukrainian family. She has now decided to stay back in Ukraine and look after the landlord's three children and wife at home after he joined the Ukrainian army to fight against the Russian attacks.

Suggested Reading : Haryana Girl Stays Back In Ukraine To Look After Landlord’s Family