PM Modi speaks to Putin and Zelensky and sought their support to ensure safe evacuation of Indian nationals
National Desk, 07 March, 2022: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the presidents of both Ukraine and Russia.
According to reports, Modi engaged in direct conversation with the two leaders to seek their support for the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals stranded in the war-torn Ukraine.
Modi first spoke to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. During the conversation, Modi thanked Zelensky for his government’s assistance in making the evacuation efforts of India under operation ganga successful so far. Additionally, he also requested the support of the Ukrainian government for the safe evacuation of the remaining Indian nationals form the country.
During the telephonic conversation – which reportedly lasted for around 35 minutes – both the leaders also talked about the ongoing state of affairs in Ukraine. Besides, Modi also acknowledged Zelensky for the prolonged dialogue between Ukraine and Russia.
Likewise, Modi had a similar conversation with President Vladimir Putin, which lasted for around 50 minutes. During this, Modi also sought Russia’s support in rescuing the Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine. He also appreciated the gesture of ceasefire for allowing humanitarian corridors for the civilians amidst the war.
Moreover, Modi also urged Putin to solve the ongoing situation in Ukraine with dialogues and asked both the leaders to directly talk with each other.
Putin, on the other side, guaranteed Modi of his full cooperation to ensure the success of India’s evacuation operations.
So far, under its operation ganga initiative, India has safely rescued around 16, 000 nationals from Ukraine. However, more Indians, especially students are still trapped in multiple cities like Kyiv, Sumy, Mariupol, Kharkiv and others.