Russia-Ukraine crisis: PM chairs high-level meet to review security preparedness
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review India's security preparedness and the present global situation in the context of the continuing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, as well as NSA Ajit Doval and other high officials.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Many Indians are still trapped in war-torn Ukraine and are being evacuated under the Operation Ganga initiative. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is still raging, with some Western governments fearful that chemical or biological weapons may be utilized. The UN Security Council also called an emergency meeting in response to the accusations and counter-claims made by the US and Russia over the use of chemical weapons.
Operation Ganga
PM briefed about evacuation of Indian citizens
The PM was briefed on the latest events in Ukraine, including the specifics of Operation Ganga, which was launched to evacuate Indian people, as well as certain citizens of India's neighboring nations, from Ukraine. During the meeting, the prime minister directed that all possible measures should be taken to bring back the mortal remains of Naveen Shekharappa, who died in Kharkiv recently.
Data
Border and marine defense also discussed
The Prime Minister was informed on the most recent events and various aspects of India's security preparation in border areas, as well as in the maritime and air domains, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read.
Technology
Overview on technology use in defense
PM Modi took a detailed review of worldwide technology utilization in the defense sector, as well as India's advancements in the field, India TV reported. The PM also stressed the importance of incorporating the latest technology into the security system. He emphasized that every effort must be made to make India self-reliant in the defense sector to strengthen the country's security, the report added.
India
India is non-partisan in Russia-Ukraine conflict
Even as other countries have leaped to Kyiv's defense, India has avoided taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Notably, India is an important ally of Russia. On March 4, India voted against an impartial investigation of Russia's activities in Ukraine at the United Nations Human Rights Council. India has stated that it will continue to endeavor to evacuate its people from Ukraine.