PM Modi Speaks To Russian President Putin, Discusses Safe Evacuation Of Indians From Conflict Zones In Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and discussed the situation in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, where many Indian students are stuck amid Russia ramping up its military offensive on Ukraine's key locations.

An official statement said the two leaders discussed the safe evacuation of the Indians from the conflict areas in Ukraine and reviewed the situation, especially in Kharkiv.

This was the second telephonic conversation between the two leaders within a week.

India had asked Russia to facilitate the safe passage of Indians from various conflict zones after the killing of an Indian student in shelling in Kharkiv on Tuesday.

Earlier on Wendnesday (2 March), Russian Ambassador-designate to India Denis Alipov said his country is working 'intensely' to create a 'humanitarian corridor' for a safe passage to Russian territory of the Indians stuck in Kharkiv, Sumy and other conflict zones in Ukraine.

"The leaders reviewed the situation in Ukraine, especially in the city of Kharkiv where many Indian students are stuck. They discussed the safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from the conflict areas," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a release.

(With inputs from PTI)