PM Modi said a direct conversation between Putin & Zelenskyy is vital for the peace efforts.

By B N Kumar

MUMBAI, Mar 7 (The CONNECT) - In a significant peace initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested to Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin to open dialogue with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to the hostilities.

Modi and Putin today discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine seprately with Putin and Zelenskyy, an official sources said in New Delhi.

Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the talks 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.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still remaining in Sumy. President Putin briefed Prime Minister about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating evacuation of civilians including Indian students.

Earlier in the day, Modi spoke to President Zelenskyy who briefed the PM in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Modi expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis. He 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.

The Prime Minister 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 emphasized the need for their quick and safe evacuation.