New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the evolving situation in the conflict-ridden country.
According to the government sources cited by news agency ANI, the phone call lasted for about 35 minutes and PM Modi appreciated the continuing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
ALSO READ | Russia Declares Ceasefire In Ukraine From 12.30 PM IST To Open Humanitarian Corridors
The Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy for the help extended by the Ukrainian Government in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, ANI reported government sources as saying.
PM Modi also sought continued support in ongoing efforts for evacuation of Indian nationals from Sumy, they said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to Twitter and wrote: “Informed Prime Minister @narendramodi about Ukraine countering Russian aggression. India appreciates the assistance to its citizens during the war and Ukraine'scommitment to direct peaceful dialogue at the highest level. Grateful for the support to the Ukrainian people.”
Notably, the Prime Minister also spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin today.
The talks come amid India’s ongoing efforts to evacuate its nationals, mostly students, from Ukraine.
Last month, both PM Modi and President Zelenskyy had spoken to each other after India abstained during a vote on a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution that deplored “in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine.
Informing about their first conversation over the conflict, Zelenskyy had tweeted: “Spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed of the course of Ukraine repulsing Russian aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged India to give us political support in UN Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!”
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi had expressed “deep anguish” over the loss of life and property. He reiterated his call for “immediate cessation of violence” and return to dialogue, and conveyed “India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts.”
On the other hand, in their first conversation over the issue, PM Modi and Putin had reviewed the situation in Ukraine, especially in the city of Kharkiv where many Indian students were stuck. As per PMO, they discussed the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from the conflict areas.
So far, India has abstained from resolutions at the United Nations which were brought up to criticise Russia for its military aggression on Ukraine.
PM Modi has been holding high-level meetings to review the situation and rescue operations for Indian nationals stranded in the region.