Modi phones putin to end Ukraine invasion

As Russian forces attacked cities in Ukraine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday night, appealing for an "immediate cessation of violence" and stressed that India attacked the highest importance to the safe exit of its citizens from Ukraine.

In a statement, Modi called for "concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue".

The statement said that President Putin briefed Narendra Modi on the developments in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also reported to have discussed India's concerns over the safety of its citizens, especially students, in Ukraine.

Modi told Putin that the dispute between Russia and NATO could only be resolved through sincere and honest diplomatic talks, according to Indian media NDTV . Modi also called for an end to attacks in Ukraine. 

The two leaders also agreed that the relevant officials and diplomatic parties of the two countries would maintain regular communication on issues of mutual interest, the report said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine on Thursday morning amid months of tensions between Russia and the United States. Since then, fighting has continued between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. Meanwhile, several large explosions were reported in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. 

The Russian Defence Ministry said it destroyed 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, including 11 aerodromes. Ukraine said Russia had carried out 203 attacks since the day began.

At least 68 people -- soldiers and civilians -- were killed, according to an AFP tally from various Ukrainian official sources.