Ukraine relief, evacuation efforts: Indian companies lend a helping hand

The government has reached out to Indian industry to help deliver relief materials and aid to Indians stranded in Ukraine and support evacuation efforts. In a meeting with industry earlier this week, the commerce and industry ministry asked for details of Indian firms operating in Ukraine and its neighbourhood.

"Over 30 organisations and Indian companies operating out of Poland, Slovak Republic, Hungary and Romania have mobilised over 400-plus volunteers to provide shelter, local transport and food across different cities in these countries to Indians before they are able to fly out to India," said Ficci director general Arun Chawla.

'Leveraging Ground-level Presence'

There were around 20,000 Indian students in Ukraine, of which about 12,000 have been evacuated, as per official figures on Wednesday.

A senior functionary of another industry association said its member companies in Ukraine's four neighbouring countries are providing food, shelter and logistics support such as temporary shelters and travel at evacuation points.

"We have reached out to our missions and Indian companies in Ukraine's neighbouring countries. It is an all-encompassing effort to safely bring all Indians back," said an official aware of details.

While information technology is the largest sector in which Indian investments are deployed in Poland, domestic companies also have a presence in auto accessories, tyre manufacturing, and the spa and wellness sectors in Slovakia.