NEW DELHI: President Zelensky of Ukraine briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in detail about the conflict situation over a phone call today. According to the Government of India (GOI) sources the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis. PM Modi urged him for immediate cessation of violence, stating that “India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.”
President Zelenskyy also informed PM Modi about ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
PM Modi reportedly expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20,000 Indian citizens from besieged 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.
The duration of the phone call was about 35 minutes, the Government of India informed.
While speaking over the phone, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the continuing direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.
PM Modi extended his gratitude to President Zelensky for logistical, security and other sports extended by Ukraine in evacuation of stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine.
Modi urged the Ukrainian leader to evacuate the stranded Indians from Sumy and other conflict zones, said a release from the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
At a press briefing attended by The New Indian, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India will continue to run Operation Ganga till the last Indian left the conflict zone in Ukraine is evacuated. On Ukraine’s request, India has sent tons of medical and humanitarian aid to the besieged country.
Earlier, in his conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on the Ukrainian crisis on March 2, PM Modi had urged for the resolution of the issue via dialogue.