PM Modi dials Putin, Appeals for immediate end to violence in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for an immediate end to violence in Ukraine during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and urged all parties to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said PM Modi called for "concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue". He reiterated his "long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue," the statement read. Modi was the first world leader to speak to Putin after the Russian president ordered a military operation in support of the Moscow-backed regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine, triggering fears of a wider conflict in Europe.MEA tweet, on Thursday late night released a press release on the telephonic conversation between the two leaders.

Press Release on the telephonic conversation between PM @narendramodi and Russian President Vladimir Putin @KremlinRussia_E ➡️ https://t.co/usNy5SmjjM

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 24, 2022

The Prime Minister also discussed India's concerns regarding the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students. India, he said, attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return. "The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest," the statement added. President Putin had briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine.