PM Modi dials Putin, Zelensky, seeks safe evacuation of Indians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sought the support of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for evacuating hundreds of Indians stranded in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy amid intense fighting in the region. Modi first spoke to Zelensky and sought continued support from the Ukrainian government for ongoing efforts to evacuate Indian nationals from Sumy. During the 35-minute conversation, the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine, and Modi appreciated the “continuing direct dialogue” between Russia and Ukraine. He thanked Zelensky for the help extended by the Ukrainian government for the evacuation of Indian nationals. 

Modi spoke subsequently to Putin and stressed the importance of the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest, the people said. Putin assured Modi of “all possible cooperation” for their safe evacuation. Both  leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. Putin also briefed Modi on negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams. Modi urged Putin to hold direct talks with Zelensky, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams. He also appreciated the announcement of a ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy, the sources said. The Indian government launched ‘Operation Ganga’ to evacuate Indians from Ukraine using charter flights and military aircraft to fly out more than 15,900 people as of Sunday.