Modi, Zelensky talk over phone; discuss latest developments in Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked over phone and discussed the evolving situation in wartorn Ukraine, official sources said.

Zelensky briefed Modi "in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia," the Indian PMO said in a statement.

Modi expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis and reiterated his call for immediate cessation of the "violence", reports our New Delhi correspondent quoting the statement.

The Indian PM noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20,000 Indian citizens from Ukraine.

He expressed deep concern for safety and security of Indian students still remaining in Ukraine and emphasised the need for their quick and safe evacuation, according to the statement.

Barring Kharkiv and Sumy, almost all Indians from the remaining regions of Ukraine have been evacuated.

Modi is also scheduled to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin later today.

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted on February 24, Modi had spoken on phone to both Putin and Zelensky twice.

On February 25, Modi, while speaking to Putin, had called for an immediate cessation of violence and on March 2, Modi had discussed with the Russian President the safe evacuation of the Indians from Ukraine.

On February 26, PM Modi spoke to Zelensky for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.

After India abstained during a vote in the United Nations Security Council, Zelensky spoke to Modi and sought India's political support at the UNSC. Modi had at that time conveyed to Zelensky India's willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts and reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence.