PM Modi appeals to Russian president Vladimir Putin to end violence in phone conversation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with president Vladimir Putin on his country's war against Ukraine. Modi reiterated India's position that the differences between Russia and Nato can be resolved only through honest and sincere dialogue.

Putin briefed Modi on the recent developments. Modi appealed for immediate cessation of violence and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to diplomatic negotiations and dialogue, according to a statement released by the Prime Ministers' Office. Modi also expressed India's concerns on the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, including students, and conveyed that India attached the highest priority to their safe return, the statement said. The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest.

Earlier the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Modi evaluated the evolving situation in Ukraine besides volatility in the global oil market. The CCS discussed efforts for safeguarding Indian students in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs evaluated the fallout of the crisis all day long. "It is true that India has maintained strong relations with the US, Russia and European Union and is concerned about the situation. Our focus is on de-escalation of situation and diplomatic dialogue. If we are needed to facilitate, we are more than happy to do," foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla told reporters at a late Thursday evening briefing. When asked about US and other western sanctions against Russia following the crisis, Shringla said "we have to see and study sanctions and its impacts."

On India's position on US-led resolution in UNSC against Russian actions stated, "we have seen the draft resolution. But the situation is changing on ground and at the UNSC. The draft is being debated."

Foreign minister S Jaishankar fresh from his Europe trip held conversations with his British counterpart and EU leadership on Thursday. "Discussed the grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts," he tweeted following his phone call.

The Indian embassy in Kyiv has launched a 24-hour helpline to assist students stuck in Ukraine. The embassy has also sheltered several students or arranged for their stay. "It is an evolving situation and a complicated one. Russian speaking diplomats of India from neighbouring countries in Europe are reaching to arrange evacuation of students. The government is extremely focused on welfare of citizens abroad," Shringla said.

Ukraine envoy Igor Polikha on Thursday pleaded for India's intervention after the Russian attacks. A strong voice of India might make Putin think, he said. But there were words of criticism for India's stance. Polikha said Ukraine was deeply dissatisfied.