February 25

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russia to immediately cease violence in Ukraine and to return to dialogue.

The Indian government said in a statement that Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Thursday.

It said that "the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue." It called for "efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue."

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla in a press conference late on Thursday referred to the United States, the EU, Australia, Japan, the UK and others that have announced additional sanctions on Russia.

He indicated that India would not immediately follow in their path, saying it was an evolving situation and the country needs to carefully study what sort of impact such sanctions would have on its own interests.

India has long been on friendly terms with Russia and is known to have strong military ties with the country.

NHK