India on Monday sought to play the role of mediator between Russia and Ukraine with PM Narendra Modi urging President Vladimir to hold direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the conflict that is creating a humanitarian crisis.
Modi also spoke with Zelenskyy to thank him for assisting the evacuation of Indian students and the Ukrainian President briefed him about the conflict and negotiations with Russia, according to sources. Putin assured Modi of all possible cooperation in the safe evacuation of Indian students from Sumy.
The telephone conversations third between Modi and Putin and second between Modi and Zelenskyy since the war began took place within hours of a ceasefire announcement by Russia including Sumy that opened a route for evacuation of Indian students to the Russia border.
The Modi-Putin phone call lasted for about 50 minutes and came after the Israeli PM met the Russian President in Moscow and the French President yet again spoke to Putin to end the conflict.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.
Prime Minister Modi urged President Putin to hold direct talks with President Zelensky of Ukraine, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams,” according to sources.
“Modi appreciated the announcement of ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy. Modi stressed the importance of the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest. Putin assured Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation,” a source informed. It may be recalled that during their second phone call Putin who shares a strong chemistry with Modi had appraised the PM how Indian students were being used as a human shield in Sumy.
On his part, during the 35-minute phone call, Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Modi expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis, sources said, adding, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.
The Prime Minister thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20000 Indian citizens from Ukraine. He expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students still remaining in Ukraine and emphasized the need for their quick and safe evacuation, a source said following the phone call.
Modi also spoke with Zelenskyy to thank him for assisting the evacuation of Indian students and the Ukrainian President briefed him about the conflict and negotiations with Russia, according to sources. Putin assured Modi of all possible cooperation in the safe evacuation of Indian students from Sumy.
The telephone conversations third between Modi and Putin and second between Modi and Zelenskyy since the war began took place within hours of a ceasefire announcement by Russia including Sumy that opened a route for evacuation of Indian students to the Russia border.
The Modi-Putin phone call lasted for about 50 minutes and came after the Israeli PM met the Russian President in Moscow and the French President yet again spoke to Putin to end the conflict.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.
Prime Minister Modi urged President Putin to hold direct talks with President Zelensky of Ukraine, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams,” according to sources.
“Modi appreciated the announcement of ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy. Modi stressed the importance of the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest. Putin assured Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation,” a source informed. It may be recalled that during their second phone call Putin who shares a strong chemistry with Modi had appraised the PM how Indian students were being used as a human shield in Sumy.
On his part, during the 35-minute phone call, Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Modi expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis, sources said, adding, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.
The Prime Minister thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20000 Indian citizens from Ukraine. He expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students still remaining in Ukraine and emphasized the need for their quick and safe evacuation, a source said following the phone call.
Read More News on
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
...moreDownload The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
