Russia-Ukraine crisis: Modi appeals for non-violence on call with Putin
As the Russian military advanced in Ukrainian territory on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged Putin to "return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue," a statement from the PM's Office (PMO) said. Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi had chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Putin briefed Modi about Ukraine situation
According to the PMO, Putin briefed Modi about the recent developments in Ukraine. Modi reiterated that the difference between Russia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue, the PMO said. Modi also addressed concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine adding that India attaches "highest priority" to their safe return, it said.
India, Russia to maintain regular contact
"PM Modi and President Putin agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest," the PMO further said. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla had said that India's Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar will speak to the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
India to evacuate nationals with 'utmost precaution'
At the CCS meeting, PM Modi said India's topmost priority is the secure evacuation of its nationals in Ukraine, Shringla said. Shringla said India will handle the evacuation with "utmost precaution." "Roadways have been mapped out to evacuate Indian nationals from Kyiv and reach safer places," he said. The Ministry of Defence is preparing to keep the provision of airlifting Indians open.
20,000 Indians present in Ukraine
"We started the registration of Indian nationals in Ukraine about a month ago," Shringla said, adding that 20,000 Indian nationals are present in Ukraine. As many as 4,000 nationals had already left Ukraine in the past few days.
India asks Ukrainian universities for online classes
Shringla said India has approached all universities in Ukraine to conduct online classes in the interest of Indian students. The Indian embassy in Ukraine is making efforts to find secure shelter for the students. The embassy continues to be functional even as the situation remains "difficult and is rapidly evolving," Shringla said. The embassy has issued a series of advisories to its nationals there.
India to assess impact of sanctions on Russia
Shringla also spoke about the western sanctions imposed on Russia. " We have to see what impacts these sanctions will have on our interests," he said. PM Modi reportedly met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on India's economy.
What happened in Ukraine today?
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been fuming for several months regarding the latter's desire to join NATO. Russia opposes NATO's eastern expansion and has claimed that the Ukrainian military was attacking the separatist region of Donbas in the east. Russian forces advanced into Ukraine on Thursday. Several casualties have been reported as the Russian military rushed in with ground and air forces.
