New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stressed on the safe evacuation of the stranded Indian students from the Sumy city at the earliest. He also made an appeal to Putin on holding talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams. Sources of NDTV said.
The call lasted about 50 minutes, and both the leaders discussed the current situation of Ukraine.
Over 800 students are still stranded in Sumy, amid the bombardment and gunfights. The stranded students have shared many videos seeking help, and are stating that they have scant resources. The students are fearing for their lives. In the videos they can be seen collecting snow to melt for water as they reportedly don’t have access to enough food and water.
This was for second time that PM Modi spoke with President Putin, since Russia invaded Ukraine. On February 25, PM Modi had called the Russian President appealing for an “immediate cessation of violence”. He had also stressed that evacuation of Indians safely was India’s highest priority.
This proposal by PM Modi comes after Ukraine requested Indian support to diffuse the crisis. Over the weekend, Ukraine’s Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged PM Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country.
According to Indian govt sources of Wion News, PM welcomed the Russian announcement of a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy. Russia had announced a ceasefire for a humanitarian purpose that comes into effect at 12.30 PM IST.
Earlier speaking with President Zelensky on call, PM Modi briefed him in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Prime Minister expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister reiterated his call for immediate cessation of violence and noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.
PM Modi also thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20000 Indian citizens from Ukraine. He expressed deep concern for safety and security of Indian students still remaining in Ukraine and emphasized the need for their quick and safe evacuation.
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