NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine over a phone call on Monday.
President Putin briefed PM Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a release.
“Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to cessation of the conflict,” the PMO added.
The prime minister suggested the Russian president to have a direct conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, which, he said, may “greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts.”
PM Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still stuck in Sumy. Nearly 700 Indian students are stuck in the city.
President briefed PM Modi about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating evacuation of civilians including Indian students, the government said.
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi and President Zelenskyy also spoke on phone. During the phone call, President Zelenskyy briefed him in detail about the conflict situation.
The prime minister expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis, and urged him for immediate cessation of violence, as per sources in the government of India.
PM Modi reportedly expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian authorities for facilitating evacuation of more than 20,000 Indian citizens from Ukraine. He expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students stuck in the conflict zone and emphasised the need for their quick and safe evacuation.