KYIV: Russia said Ukraine is disrupting the evacuation of Indians. The Russian Defence Ministry alleged that they have received information that Ukrainian authorities are forcibly keeping a large group of Indian students in Kharkiv who wish to leave Ukrainian territory and go to Belgorod, a Russian military spokesperson said.

However, India has denied Russia's allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said that no such report had been received and that Ukrainian authorities had requested that a special train service be arranged for Indian students, including those from Kharkiv, to cross the western border.

Modi had asked Putin to take immediate steps to evacuate Indians in the wake of the war turning severe. Russia has said it will allow Indian nationals to cross the border safely in their own flights or in Indian planes. Putin said he would investigate the death of Naveen, a medical student who died in the attack.