Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine as both leaders spoke on telephone Thursday night.

PM Modi reiterated to Putin his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue.

He 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.

"Prime Minister 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," said a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest.

Meanwhile, MEA Teams from India embassies in Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic and Romania have been sent to the adjoining land borders with Ukraine to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from the country. 

Ambassador's Interaction with Indian Students in Kyiv.@MEAIndia @PIB_India @PIBHindi @DDNewslive @DDNewsHindi @DDNational @PMOIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/jrfXPlzPKY

— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 24, 2022

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Ivan Korcok, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

"Appreciate his willingness to facilitate the evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia," tweeted Jaishankar.

Also Read: Move to nearby bomb shelters, Indian embassy in Kiev tells students stranded in Ukraine