This is what Indian PM Narendra Modi told Putin during the phone call

• PM Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone Thursday night and appealed for an immediate cessation of violence.
• President Putin gave a long brief about the recent developments regarding Ukraine to PM Modi.
• PM Modi also expressed India’s concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students.

Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on late Thursday night, spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and appealed for an immediate cessation of violence.

PM Modi further called for a concerted effort from all sides to come to an agreement or diplomatic negotiations and dialogue.

“Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organisation] group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue. Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue,” read the press release by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Furthermore, President Putin gave a long brief about the recent developments regarding Ukraine to PM Modi. Wherein, PM Modi also expressed India’s concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students.

According to media reports, around 16,000 Indian students are still stuck in Ukraine and the government had sent teams on Thursday to evacuate the Indian nationals from there. However, due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace the aircraft came back to New Delhi.

“The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest,” the release further stated.

Yesterday evening, Ukrainian ambassador Dr Igor Polikha had appealed to PM Modi to intervene in the current situation and speak to Russia President Vladimir Putin.

Polikha said, “I don't know how many world leaders Putin may listen to but the status of Modi ji makes me hopeful. In case of his strong voice, Putin at least should think it over. We are expecting a much more favourable attitude from the Indian government.”

As Ukraine urged India to support in this hour of crisis, he further added, “At the present moment, we're asking and pleading for support from India. In this case of an aggression by a totalitarian regime against democratic state, India should fully assume its global role. Modi ji is one of the most powerful and respected leaders in the world.”

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