Dialogue, diplomacy only way forward in Ukraine, Modi tells Putin

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy as “the only way” forward to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas of energy, trade and defence during a telephonic conversation.

A Russian readout said Putin gave “fundamental assessments of Russia’s line on the Ukrainian direction at the request of Modi”.

The Prime Minister’s office (PMO) said Modi briefed the Russian president on India’s ongoing presidency of the G-20, highlighting its key priorities.

It was the fifth telephonic talk between the two leaders this year. They held phone conversations on February 24, March 2, March 7 and July 1.