Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has earned a reputation of perfectly executing complex evacuation missions, says SK Narvar, Chairman, Capital India Corp., reflecting upon Operation Ganga and India’s evacuation efforts amidst war in Ukraine.
Below are the excerpts of conversation:
Ques – What are your observations on India’s position on Russia’s war on Ukraine?
SK Narvar: It’s something of common wisdom: One should not disregard old friends under the influence of new ones. India has not been the only country in the world to have a neutral stance. Several countries in Europe, Africa and Asia have shared similar positions. It is because neither realpolitik allows us to forgo the increasing support from the West against aggressive expansionist traits shown by Asian powers, nor can we afford to strain our relationship with Russia.
The Indian Government has done an admirable job in walking a neutral line and calling out to end hostilities via peaceful dialogue. However, one should remember that apart from all the economic and political considerations that India has to assess, it needs support from the warring nations to execute the evacuation of Indians, especially students, caught in cross-fire.
Ques – How do you see India’s evacuationefforts from Ukraine?
SK Narvar: Operation Ganga is another chapter in India’s courageous efforts to protect Indian citizens stranded abroad. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has earned a reputation for executing complex evacuation missions flawlessly. Since 2015, India has led several evacuation operations amidst pandemic, natural calamities, and geopolitical instability, including Operation Vande Bharat, Samudra Setu, Rahat, Maitri, and others.
The Prime Minister himself is monitoring the developments in Ukraine. By having appointed key senior ministers to oversee the rescue mission, he has sent a solid assurance to the Indian students stuck there. India is constantly in talks with Russia and Ukraine to provide safe passage to our citizens. As a result around 20,000 Indians have been evacuated from the warzone till date and the operation has been intensified further.
Ques – What role is PM Modi playing in the Ukraine crisis?
SK Narvar: Countries worldwide have approached PM Modi to encourage a dialogue between Moscow and Kiev. Our defence and trade dependencies with Russia is essential for national security and economic recovery. Hence, PM Modi is invested in playing an important role in opening dialogue between President Putin and Zelensky. In his conversations with both of them, he insisted on restoring peace to the region and finding a solution through dialogue. He has spoken to President Putin at least thrice in the past 10 days, the recent one being as early as on Monday night. This continuous conversation is crucial considering the ongoing diplomatic talks between Ukraine and Russia happening in Belarus.
Ques – Hundreds of students had gone to Ukraine to study medicine. In the light of recent events, what is India planning to do to prevent a repeat in future?
SK Narvar: India will take due steps to absorb and give adequate support to the students for continuing their education in the country. The Central Government has given tremendous focus to health and education in recent years. However, considering the present crisis, Prime Minister Modi has appealed to the private sector to ramp up India’s medical education capabilities by opening new colleges.
The appeal has been received with much positivity; Mr Anand Mahindra is exploring opening a medical college at Mahindra University. In addition, more leaders from the private sector are responding to the appeal in affirmation. India will add more affordable medical education institutions to its fleet of 605 medical colleges in the near future. All these efforts will help India further strengthen its medical education infrastructure.