Indian PM in talk with Putin says is ready to provide any possible assistance for prompt settlement of conflict in Ukraine - Kremlin

MOSCOW. March 7 (Interfax) - The discussion of the situation in connection with the special military operation to defend Donbas and, in particular, issues relating to evacuation of Indian citizens continued during a recent phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kremlin press service said.

At the request of the Indian prime minister, Putin stated evaluations of the progression of the talks between the Russian delegation and Ukrainian officials, the third round of which is scheduled to be held today. Modi expressed readiness to provide any possible assistance for prompt settlement of the conflict," the report said.

Putin informed the Indian prime minister "that the Russian Armed Forces have declared a ceasefire today and have opened humanitarian corridors, bearing in mind the aggravation of the humanitarian situation," the press service said. "In the meantime, nationalist formations continue obstructing evacuation of civilians, including foreign citizens, from the military action areas, using violence and various provocations," the report said.

"The Indian students who were held by radicals in Kharkiv only managed to leave the city as a result of strong international pressure on the Kyiv authorities," the Kremlin press service said.

"The Russian troops are doing everything to ensure evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy. Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation to the Russian side for the measures taken to bring his fellow countrymen home," the press service said.