Russia calls India to thank for 'efficient and expeditious' assistance

NEW DELHI: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Wednesday called External Affairs Minister to thank her for the "efficient and expeditious" assistance provided to Russian nationals in distress. The two Ministers agreed to meet at an early date. They also discussed forthcoming visit to Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozon to India on June 18 and President Putin-PM meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Brazil.

It may be mentioned thirteen Russian tourists travelling in a tempo in Uttarakhand who fell into the Bhagirathi River are being assisted by Russian and Indian authorities.

As many as 6 of the 13 who are seriously injured have been airlifted from Dehradun to Delhi. Five others were airlifted to Dehradun and are in a local hospital there.

Ministry of External Affairs is providing all assistance to Russian tourists belonging largely to the ISKCON. The seriously injured are likely to be admitted to a local hospitals in Delhi for further observation and assistance.