Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s call to end hostilities, return to dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke on phone with Presidents of Poland, France and European Council on the Ukraine crisis and reiterated India’s call for cessation of hostilities and return to a dialogue.

A Ministry of External Affairs statement said that Prime Minister Modi warmly thanked Poland President Andrzej Duda for the assistance provided by Poland in evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine, and for the special gesture of relaxing visa requirement for Indian citizens’ crossing over to Poland from Ukraine.

He expressed his particular appreciation for the warm reception and facilitation extended by Polish citizens to Indian nationals at this difficult time, it stated.

Alluding to the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister recalled the assistance offered by Poland in the wake of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the MEA statement informed.

He also recollected the exemplary role played by the Maharaja of Jamnagar in rescuing several Polish families and young orphans during the Second World War.

The Prime Minister informed President Duda that General VK Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation, would be stationed in Poland as his special envoy, to oversee the evacuation efforts of Indian citizens.

The Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue, the statement added.

He stressed upon the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, the statement mentioned.

Prime Minister Modi also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

According to the MEA, PM Modi and President Macron shared their concerns over continuing hostilities and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

He stressed India's belief that respect for international law, the UN Charter and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states underpin the contemporary world order, the MEA statement added.

The Prime Minister welcomed the talks between the two parties and stressed upon the importance of ensuring free and uninterrupted humanitarian access and smooth movement of all people, it noted.

Prime Minister Modi also briefed President Macron about India's efforts to evacuate its citizens from the conflict areas and to send urgent relief supplies, including medicines for the affected populations, the statement further said.

Later on Tuesday, PM Modi spoke on phone with Charles Michel, President of the European Council.

The Prime Minister expressed his anguish over the deteriorating situation and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the MEA said.

He reiterated India’s appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue, the MEA maintained.

The Prime Minister stressed that the contemporary global order was anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.

The Prime Minister welcomed the talks between the two parties and stressed upon the importance of ensuring free and uninterrupted humanitarian access and smooth movement of all people, the MEA statement mentioned.

Prime Minister Modi also spoke about efforts being made by India to send urgent relief supplies, including medicines, to the affected areas.