Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and sought the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine's war-hit Sumy city at the earliest. He also urged Putin to hold direct talks with President Zelensky in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams. 

The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine in a phone call that lasted about 50 minutes, Indian officials said. Putin reportedly assured Modi of all possible cooperation in the evacuation of Indian nationals from the war-torn country.

Around 700 to 900 Indian students have been stranded in Sumy in northeast Ukraine amid bombing and gunfights. They have shared several videos of their plight, saying they have scant resources and fear for their lives. Videos showed them collecting snow to melt for water as they reportedly don't have access to enough food and water.

This is the second time Modi has dialed Putin since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. On February 25, Modi had called the Russian President appealing for an "immediate cessation of violence". He had also stressed that evacuation of Indians safely was India's highest priority.

Earlier in the day, Modi also spoke to Zelensky and sought his support in evacuating Indians stuck in Sumy. 

"Prime Minister Modi appreciated the announcement of ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy," Indian media quoting unnamed government sources said.

India has been trying to evacuate its nationals, mainly students, from the conflict-stricken country. The government has found it particularly challenging to evacuate those stuck in eastern parts of the country.

After his conversation with Modi, Zelenskyy tweeted: “Informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about Ukraine countering Russian aggression. India appreciates the assistance to its citizens during the war and Ukraine's commitment to direct peaceful dialogue at the highest level. Grateful for the support to the Ukrainian people. #StopRussia.” 

(SAM)