India asks its citizens to leave Ukraine

Amid heightened tensions over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, India Tuesday urged its nationals in that country to consider leaving.

"In view of uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals, particularly students whose stay not essential, may consider leaving temporarily," India's Embassy in Kyiv said in a statement.

"Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy reach them where required," it added.

India had earlier called for a "peaceful resolution" of the Kyiv crisis, in view of the simmering tensions between Russia and the US-led West over Ukraine.

"We have been closely following the developments relating to Ukraine, including the ongoing high-level discussions between Russia and the US," Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told the media last month.

"Our Embassy in Kyiv is also monitoring local developments. We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts for long term peace and stability in the region and beyond," he had said.

Moscow has deployed 130,000 soldiers near the Russia-Ukraine border, triggering fears among NATO members that President Vladimir Putin may invade the country to annexe its eastern parts which are home to a large ethnic Russian population.