New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed Russian President Vladimir Putin for an immediate cessation of violence and stressed the need to the safe exit of Indian citizens from Ukraine. PM Modi convened a meeting with his top ministers on Thursday, where he underscored the need to focus on bringing the Indian nationals home safely.

He spoke over telephone with Putin on Thursday night over the Russian invasion on Ukraine. According to the PMO statement, 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.

President Putin had briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine, said the statement. The Prime Minister also discussed India’s concerns regarding the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students. India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return. The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest, the statement added.

Russia started military operations against Ukraine on Thursday morning after months of tension over the former Soviet republic’s proximity to NATO. Russian missiles had rained on multiple cities, through the day. The Russian Defence Ministry said it destroyed 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, including 11 aerodromes. Ukraine said Russia had carried out 203 attacks since the day began.

At the CCS meeting, PM Modi has stated that the topmost priority of the government is the safety and security of Indian nationals including students in Ukraine,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.