Air India suspends Delhi-Moscow flights, Russian Embassy claims amid war with Ukraine

Amid unabated Russia-Ukraine war, Air India has reportedly suspended operations from Delhi to Moscow from Thursday onwards. Russian Embassy in India informed on Thursday that Air India h suspended selling tickets for flights flying from Delhi to Moscow. 

operations of biweekly flights remain unclear as no official statement regarding same has been provided by Air India. 
news sparked off after Russian news agency TASS, in a report stated that Russian Embassy in India, through ir telegram channel, h informed: "Dear fellow citizens. We draw your attention that Indian airline Air India has stopped selling tickets on Delhi-Moscow-Delhi route, prospects for resuming flights of this airline to Russia are uncertain at moment.”

Air India suspends operations in Moscow: Russian Embassy

Furrmore, Embassy also informed that Air India’s office has me passengers entitled to a full refund for cancelled flights. Some reports have claimed that reason behind Air India’s move is being speculated to be increased threat perception of ongoing war. 

Or reports suggest that Air India failed to secure insurance cover to carry operations, hence y are suspending direct flights to Moscow. Neverless, passengers wishing to travel to Russia from India can take connecting flights through Tashkent, Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and or destinations.

For unversed, Air India is now being run by Tata group. control of airlines was handed over to m by Union government after y secured divestment deal. 

India condemns 'Bucha killings'

Russian invasion of Ukraine h commenced on February 24 and since n, Indian government h remained cautious of choosing any sides in battle. While New Delhi has expressed ‘concerns’ about ongoing situation, it has steered clear of criticising Russia globally or diplomatically. Despite consistent nudging by US, India has abstained from voting against Moscow and hasn’t towed western line as it refused to impose economic sanctions or to ban tre.

However, at recent UNSC session held on Tuesday to discuss Bucha massacre, India h ‘condemned’ macabre killings and expressed ‘deep concerns' about humanitarian crisis in region. statement is being seen as India’s strongest statement on war to date. Even though New Delhi didn’t name Russia in its dress, it has supported call for an independent probe of alleged genocide.

This comes at a time when peace talks between two nations are ongoing and re is a glimmer of hope since Moscow withdrew its troops from Ukrainian capital Kyiv and or norrn cities following Istanbul peace negotiations. Albeit, war continues as Russian forces continue to wreak devastation in sourn and eastern cities of war-torn Ukraine.

(Image: PTI)