India’s Modi urges direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy
New Delhi, Mar 7 (EFE).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the war in the East European country.
The Indian prime minister spoke with Putin and Zelenskyy separately amid raging conflict in the region after Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb.24.
Readouts from the two telephonic conversations said the Indian leader welcomed negotiations between the two warring neighbors and hoped that the talks would culminate in the immediate cessation of violence.
Modi discussed with Putin the evolving situation and the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian negotiators.
“(He) welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to cessation of the conflict.
“He suggested that a direct conversation between President Putin and President Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts,” the statement said.
The statement said Putin briefed Modi about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating the evacuation of civilians, including Indian students.
In his conversation with Zelenskyy, Modi reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and noted that India had always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialog between the two parties.
President Zelenskyy briefed Modi about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The Indian prime minister expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis.
Modi thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20,000 Indian citizens from Ukraine.
He expressed deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students remaining in Ukraine.
He emphasized the need for their quick and safe evacuation.
Zelenskyy later tweeted that he briefed Modi about Ukraine “countering Russian aggression.”
“(India) appreciates the assistance to its citizens during the war and (Ukrainian) commitment to direct peaceful dialogue at the highest level. Grateful for the support to the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy wrote. EFE
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