India mourned the loss of its first casualty in war-torn Ukraine, with leaders from all parties expressing condolences and praying for the safety of stranded Indians.
The victim, 20-year-old student Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar from Chalageri in Karnataka’s Haveri district, was a fourth-year medical student at Kharkiv National Medical University. His death was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Karnataka Chief Minister offered his condolences and assured efforts to repatriate Naveen’s body to India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Naveen’s father after learning of the tragic news.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences and stressed the need for a strategic plan for safe evacuation of all stranded students.
Other political figures also expressed grief and urged the government to bring back all stranded students promptly.
Ukraine also mourned Naveen’s death and called on world leaders to stop Russian aggression.
In response, Prime Minister Modi instructed the Indian Air Force to evacuate stranded Indians from Ukraine.
As Moscow intensified its attack on Ukraine, an advisory urged all Indians in Kyiv to leave immediately by any means necessary.
