On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin, pleading with him to put a halt to the violence in Ukraine. The chat took place just hours after Ukraine made an urgent request to India for help. PM Modi called for “consistent efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to the statement, he repeated his “long-standing conviction that the disagreements between Russia and NATO can only be resolved via honest and sincere conversation.”
President Putin informed Prime Minister Modi on the latest events in Ukraine.
India’s worries over the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, particularly students, were also raised by the Prime Minister. He stated that India places a high importance on their safe exit and return.
“The presidents agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would maintain regular contact on matters of mutual interest,” according to the statement.
Igor Polikha, Ukraine’s envoy, had requested India’s involvement earlier Thursday, stating that Modi ji’s makes me hopeful, that with Modi ji’s loud voice, Putin will think.”
PM Modi had a meeting with his top ministers on Thursday evening, emphasising the need of focusing on securely returning Indian nationals.
In one of Europe’s deadliest crises since World War II, 137 people were killed on the first day of Russia’s war on Ukraine. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised the world by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with military strikes targeting major cities including Kyiv, the capital.
