PM Modi dials Putin, appeals for immediate end to violence in Ukraine

New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi dialled Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday, appealing for an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine that started in the morning.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said PM Modi called for "concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue".

He reiterated his "long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue," the statement read.

The statement added President Putin also briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine.

PM Modi also sensitised the Russian President about India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, it said.

The Prime Minister 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," the statement added.

This conversation comes hours after Ukraine's envoy to India, Igor Polikha, expressed his "deeply dissatisfaction" with India's position on Russian aggression.

He had also urged PM Modi to speak to his Russian counterpart, stressing that the situation will also adversely impact all countries in the region, including India.

"India was at the inception of NAM (Non-Aligned Movement)… We have been following statements by India. We are deeply dissatisfied with India's position," Ambassador Polikha told reporters gathered outside the embassy in New Delhi Thursday, as Putin announced a special military operation in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

He contended that India is better placed than other countries to intervene with Russia in view of the special and privileged strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow and Modi's stature as a global leader.

Russia started military operations against Ukraine on Thursday morning after months of tension over the former Soviet republic's proximity to NATO.