PM Modi speaks to Putin, expresses concern on safety of students stranded in Sumy

About 700 Indian students who had gone to Ukraine to study MBBS are still stranded in the strife-torn city of Sumy and the government of India is making all efforts to rescue them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation and discussed the safety of the students among other issues.

According to the Prime Minister’s office, “The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.”

The PMO said that Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to the cessation of the conflict.

“He suggested that a direct conversation between President Putin and President Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts,” the PMO said.

Talking about the safety of the students stranded in Sumy, it said that Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still remaining in Sumy.

“President Putin briefed Prime Minister about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating the evacuation of civilians including Indian students,” the PMO informed.

The government of India is running Operation Ganga for the safe evacuation of Indian students and the majority of students have returned. However, efforts are on to evacuate the remaining about 700 who are stuck in Sumy.