Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday and is scheduled to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin later today.
PM Modi’s call with Zelensky lasted for about 35 minutes and the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. According to government sources, PM Modi appreciated the continuing direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, the third round of which will take place today.
PM Modi also thanked President Zelensky for the help extended by his government in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine and sought continued support for the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sumy.
Earlier, PM Modi spoke to both of them twice, since the war broke out on February 24 after Putin authorised a special military operation on Ukraine.
On February 25, PM Modi spoke to Putin and urged for an immediate cessation of violence. The second call was made on March 2, when PM Modi discussed with Putin the safe evacuation of the Indians.
On February 26, PM Modi spoke to Zelensky first time after an all-out war broke out between Russia and Ukraine on February 24. After India abstained during a vote in the United Nations, Zelensky spoke to PM Modi and sought India’s political support at the UNSC.
The Centre, conducting Operation Ganga to evacuate Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine, has already approached Ukraine to ensure a safe passage for the exit of the Indian nationals. The ministry of external affairs has also urged for a ceasefire, which Russia has selectively implemented.
India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is crucial as it has expressed concerns for the safety and security of Ukraine nationals and sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has abstained from the resolutions against Russia in the United Nations.
As Zelensky sought India’s political support, PM Modi conveyed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts, as he expressed deep anguish and reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence, which he made during his call with Vladimir Putin as well.
Since the war broke out, PM Modi hold a series of meetings with high-level officials to review the progress of the evacuation operation and also the situation of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Over the past week, more than 10,000 Indian students have been evacuated from Ukraine under Operation Ganga. Barring Kharkiv and Sumy, almost all Indians from the remaining regions of Ukraine have been evacuated.