Modi Speaks To Putin, Urges Russian Prez To Hold Direct Talks With Zelensky
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the situation in Ukraine as the telephonic conversation between the two lasted for around 50 minutes, reported ANI quoting Government sources.
Modi and Putin discussed about the evolving situation in Ukraine. President Putin briefed PM Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.
Modi urged Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams. PM Modi appreciated the announcement of ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy.
He stressed the importance of safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest. President Putin assured Prime Minister Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation.
Earlier in the day, Modi had spoken to Zelensky expressing deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis.
The statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that Zelensky briefed Modi in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
“(The) Prime Minister reiterated his call for immediate cessation of violence and noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties,” it said.
According to the statement, Modi “thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20,000 Indian citizens from Ukraine”, but also expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students still remaining in the war-torn nation and emphasised the need for their quick and safe evacuation.
