New Delhi: Amid the ongoing escalation between Russia and Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin for an immediate cessation of the violence and called for concerted efforts for diplomatic negotiations and dialogue from both sides, a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office said. The appeal from India’s PM was made during a telephonic conversation with Putin. “President Putin briefed Prime Minister about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO 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,” the statement read. Meanwhile, during his conversation with Putin, Modi also addressed India’s concern regarding the safety of Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine. “Prime Minister also sensitised the Russian President about India’s concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, and conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India,” according to the official statement. Russian forces invaded Ukraine from multiple fronts after Putin announced a special military operation against Ukraine today. Russian missiles rained upon Ukrainian cities while columns of troops marched into its borders. The Russian troops also landed by sea at the port cities of Odessa and Mariupol in the south. Thousands of Indian students are stranded in multiple cities of the war-hit country. The air space has been closed down after Ukraine imposed martial law. The Indian government is coordinating with its embassies in neighbouring countries to Ukraine for the safe exit of students stuck there. UNI ASH SHK2337
