Putin, Modi discuss evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine over phone

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Premier Narendra Modi have had a telephone call at the initiative of the Indian side.

"The parties discussed the evacuation of Indian citizens who are currently in Ukraine," the Kremlin press service said.

"Putin emphasized that he has given all necessary orders, and Russian troops are making all possible efforts to ensure that Indian citizens are safely evacuated from the zone of military action and returned home. In particular, the Russian side is trying to organize an urgent evacuation of a group of Indian students from Kharkiv through a humanitarian corridor via the shortest route to Russia. At the same time, according to the latest information, those students have been effectively taken hostage by Ukrainian security services which are using them as a human shield and preventing their departure to the Russian territory. Responsibility in this case fully rests with the Kyiv authorities," the press service said.

The leaders agreed to continue close cooperation to ensure safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine.