New Delhi: Amid the crisis in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight, NDTV sources said. Russian military operations against Ukraine began this morning, with the former Soviet Republic calling for India's intervention.
Russia has launched military operations against Ukraine this morning amid months of tensions over its close ties with NATO. Mr Putin had previously said that Ukraine was a puppet of the West and that it was not the right country.
By the evening, Russia said its military had destroyed more than 70 military targets in Ukraine, including 11 airports, 18 radar stations, S-300 and Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems. At least 68 people - soldiers and civilians - were killed, according to AFP figures from various Ukrainian official sources.
Earlier, Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Polka called for India's intervention, saying, "India is a very influential global player. We listen to the strong voice of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the most powerful and respected world leaders." And I hope Putin will think that the position of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a strong voice, is that India has already called for a mitigation of war, which would "turn into a major crisis" and if it is not controlled it will severely destabilize the region. We are deeply concerned about developments that could undermine the peace and security of the region if not handled carefully, said DS Thirumurthy, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Singh are also in the meeting to discuss ways to reduce it. The meeting will be attended by Finance Minister Sitharaman and other officials.
Russia is an old friend of India. We share long-standing historical ties and Mr. President is my personal friend and friend of India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said on the Ukraine issue.
Markets in Ukraine were paralyzed today by Russian military action. The 30-share benchmark Sen fell more than 2,700 points in line with the global slump. The government is trying to evict Indians stranded in Ukraine. But this morning, special flights to Kiev were canceled as Ukraine closed its airspace. As Air India is forced to repatriate the aircraft, India is now looking for alternative ways to evacuate its citizens. Sources said the foreign ministry had held high-level meetings to develop contingency plans and alternative evacuation routes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is sending teams to the land borders with Ukraine in Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Romania to assist in the expulsion of Indian citizens from Ukraine. The Embassy of India has provided guidance to students and others residing in the country. The Indian embassy warned, Citizens traveling to Kiev, traveling from the western part of Kiev, are advised to temporarily return to their respective cities, especially to safer places on the western border. We are discussing Ukraine, the problem and India, PM is said the lives of people around the world as a whole have been affected by the Ukraine issue so wait to see Ukraine issue
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