PM Modi speaks to Putin, calls for immediate cessation of violence
India Today
During the telephonic conversation, President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia launched a military offensive against Ukraine, and called for an immediate cessation of violence while also stressing that India attaches the highest priority to the safe exit and return of its citizens from Ukraine.
Modi also asserted that differences between Russia and NATO can only be resolved through "honest and sincere" dialogue.
READ | Nearly 16,000 Indians still in Ukraine, evacuation plan being chalked out: Govt
During their telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Modi 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, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here said.
A readout of the Modi-Putin talk issued by the Russian side said Modi asked for assistance in ensuring the security of Indian citizens currently in Ukraine to which President Putin said that the "necessary instructions" would be given.
The PMO here said President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine, it said.
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, the PMO said.