Russia-NATO differences can be resolved through dialogue, Modi to Putin
Darpan News Desk IANS, 24 Feb, 2022 11:40 AM
New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) Differences between Russia and the NATO can only be resolved through "honest and sincere" dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Russian President Vladimir Putin as they discussed the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
President Putin briefed Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine.
Reiterating his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue, the Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue.
He also sensitised the Russian President about India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, and conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India.
The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest.
Before Modi spoke to Putin, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla called India a "stakeholder" and a "concerned party" in the conflict.
He also had said that Prime MinisterA Narendra will be speaking to Russian President over the prevailing crisis.
Shringla also stated that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to several ministers from the European Union and those from neighbouring countries which will help in evacuation of stranded Indian nationals.
About being a stakeholder, the Foreign Secretary said: "We are in touch with all. We have interest. Whatever we do will be in the interest of our people."
"We have been in touch with all parties, both as a member of UNSC, as a country with stakes in that region, with nationals stuck."
He said that 4,000 Indian nationals have left the country.
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Fun-loving veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has compared Jasprit Bumrah with late Bollywood actor Dev Anand after the ace pacer posted a picture of him in casual-formals earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first 'jatha' (group of devotees) visiting Kartarpur Sahib from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur after inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.
At a three-hour-long hearing, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked UP, Haryana and Punjab governments to provide Rs 100 per quintal assistance within seven days to small and marginal farmers to help them from burning stubble to clear fields.
Punjab will organise a grand multi-media light and sound show at historical Sultanpur Lodhi city to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh master.
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Monday that a permanent long term solution will be found for the issue of air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring states.
