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PM Modi speaks to both Putin & Zelenskyy within hours

NEW DELHI: PM Modi congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin again in a phone conversation on Thursday for his "landslide" victory. Within a few hours, he also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated to both leaders India's consistent position for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. In his conversation with Zelenskyy, first between them this year, Modi underlined India's people-centric approach, saying his govt will continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution of the conflict.

Ukraine wants Indian students back, says Zelenskyy

Ukraine wants Indian students back, says Zelenskyy Unlike China, India has not drawn up any peace plan, or made any specific offer to mediate, but has long maintained it will be happy to facilitate any international peace effort. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, humanitarian aid, and "active" participation in Peace Formula meetings, as he invited Modi to Ukraine and hoped India will attend the inaugural Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Ukraine also wishes to welcome Indian students back to Ukrainian educational institutions, he said. According to an Indian readout, Modi highlighted that India supports all efforts for an early and peaceful resolution of all issues between the two countries. Zelenskyy appreciated India's continued humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine and the leaders agreed to remain in touch. Ahead of a visit by Ukraine foreign minister to India later this month, they also discussed ways to further strengthen India-Ukraine partnership in various spheres. The Modi-Zelenskyy talks took place at a time the Russian Black Sea has taken repeated hits from Ukrainian attacks. The chief of Zelenskyy's office, Andriy Yermak, had briefed NSA Ajit Doval last week about the conflict. 108654217 In his talks with Putin, the PM congratulated him on his re-election and conveyed his best wishes for "peace, progress and prosperity of friendly people of Russia''. Modi, who is expected to visit Russia later this year for Brics summit and a bilateral meeting, had earlier congratulated Putin on X. According to Russia, the leaders also discussed progress in "mutually beneficial'' trade and energy ties and the commitment to coordinate their actions with multilateral groups like Brics and SCO. "The two leaders agreed to make concerted efforts towards further strengthening the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the years to come. They also reviewed progress in various issues of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," said the Indian govt, adding Modi also reiterated India's consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.