Zelenskyy (L) with Modi. (File photo)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Monday, during which the two leaders discussed about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
During their conversation, Modi urged him to facilitate arrangements for those Indian students who had returned to India when the war broke out between two countries in February this year.
G20 Summit in India
The Ukrainian president conveyed his best wishes for India’s presidency of the G20.
During their talks, Modi explained the main priorities of India's G20 presidency, including giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security.
They further discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Russia-Ukraine war
Modi strongly reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and said that both sides should revert to dialogue and diplomacy to find a lasting solution to their differences.
He also conveyed India’s support for any peace efforts, and assured India's commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance for affected civilian population.
In a tweet, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN.”
I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2022
In November, the Ukrainian president had urged the Group of 20 (G20) nations to adopt Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula and to end the war.
It should be noted that India has become the second largest buyer of Russian oil after China amid ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Last month, Moscow had sent India a list of over 500 products for potential delivery, including parts for cars, aircraft, and trains, as sanctions squeeze Russia's ability to keep vital industries running, as per the several media reports.
India, too, had sent Russia a list of Indian products for access to Russian markets, according to the foreign minister, as it seeks to balance bilateral trade that is now tilted towards Russia.
