Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir
Highlights
- As Russia invaded Ukraine, PM Modi spoke on telephone today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Putin briefed PM Modi about the recent developments in Ukraine.
- PM Modi appealed for immediate cessation of violence, called for concerted efforts from all sides.
As Russia invaded Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke on telephone today with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and appealed for an immediate cessation of violence in the neighboring country.
In the telephonic conversation, Putin briefed PM Modi about the recent developments in Ukraine. The Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue.
PM Modi also appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue. He also sensitised the Russian President about India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, and conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India.
The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest, the PMO said.
India has been pressing for de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries.
The situation in Ukraine deteriorated after Putin announced the military operation against the country.
The Modi-Putin telephonic talk came hours after Ukraine sought India's support in defusing the crisis following the Russian attack on the country and said it was "deeply dissatisfied" with New Delhi's position on the deteriorating situation.
Ambassador of Ukraine to India Igor Polikha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among a very few global leaders to whom President Putin listens to and New Delhi can leverage its proximity with Moscow to control the situation.
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