This was the third telephonic talks between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin since February 24

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with President Vladimir Putin, third since February 24 when Russia launched war against Ukraine.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine and President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to cessation of the conflict, the PMO added.

He suggested that a direct conversation between President Putin and President Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts, the PMO informed.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still remaining in Sumy. Around 700 Indian students are stuck in Sumy, the PMO maintained.

President Putin briefed the Prime Minister about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating evacuation of civilians including Indian students, the PMO added.

Meanwhile, more than 1300 Indian students have been brought back on Monday by special civilian flights from the neighboring countries of war-hit Ukraine.

With this, more than 17,400 hundred Indian students have been brought back by special flights so far.