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PM Modi speaks to Hungarian, Dutch counterparts over Ukraine situation
During his phone conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Modi conveyed his thanks to the Hungarian government for facilitating the evacuation of at least 6,000 Indian citizens across the border with Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday discussed the situation in Ukraine with his Hungarian and Dutch counterparts and reiterated India’s call for an immediate end to hostilities and the return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.
During his phone conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Modi conveyed his thanks to the Hungarian government for facilitating the evacuation of at least 6,000 Indian citizens across the border with Ukraine.
“The two leaders discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine and agreed on the need to ensure an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy and dialogue,” the external affairs ministry (EAM) said in a readout.
“The leaders agreed to remain in touch on the evolving situation and to continue their efforts to encourage an end to the conflict,” the readout added.
Orban conveyed his best wishes to Indian medical students evacuated from Ukraine and said they “could choose to continue their studies in Hungary if they wished”. Modi expressed his appreciation for this offer.
Hungary and Poland were the two main countries from which the Indian side operated evacuation flights for thousands of Indians fleeing Ukraine.
During his conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Modi discussed the developments in Ukraine and shared concerns over the continuing humanitarian situation.
Modi “reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy”, and welcomed the talks between Russia and Ukraine and “hoped for an early resolution”, the EAM said.
He also briefed Rutte about the evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict areas, and India’s assistance in the form of urgent relief supplies, including medicines.
Modi recalled his virtual summit with Rutte in April 2021 and invited the Dutch leader to visit India at an early date.
