Modi, Zelensky discuss Russian intervention

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the latest situation in Ukraine in a phone call.

Modi “reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way toward peace efforts,” according to a statement by his office.

Zelenskyy briefed Modi “in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine,” with the Indian premier expressing “his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict,” the statement added.

He also conveyed New Delhi’s “deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine,” urging “Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens.”

Zelenskyy said in a tweet that he pressed Modi for “political support in the UN Security Council.”

“Informed (Modi) of the course of repulsing aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged India to give us political support in UN Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!” he wrote on Twitter.

A total of 219 people, mostly students, were brought back to India recently on a flight that took from Romania’s capital Bucharest, according to a government statement.

“The Indian government is working in mission mode to ensure the safety of our citizens. The Russians have also promised to help evacuate all Indians,” said Piyush Goyal, a Cabinet minister who welcomed the repatriated Indians at the airport.