NEW DELHI, Oct 10, 2022 (BSS) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky this morning when he called for an early cessation of hostilities and need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

Modi made the call to Zelensky for the second time after February 26 as part of his government's desperate efforts to evacuate hundreds of Indians still stranded in the warzone in Ukraine.

The premier expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India's readiness to contribute to any peace efforts as they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, official sources said here this evening.

Modi also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

He emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine and underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment.

The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 20.

Modi spoke to Zelensky first time on February 26 after an all-out war broke out between Russia and Ukraine on February 24.

He also spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 25 and urged for an immediate cessation of violence. The second call was made on March 2, when Modi discussed with Putin the safe evacuation of the Indians.

The Centre, conducting Operation Ganga to evacuate Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine, has already approached Ukraine to ensure a safe passage for the exit of the Indian nationals.

India's stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is crucial as it has expressed concerns for the safety and security of Ukraine nationals and sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has abstained from the resolutions against Russia in the United Nations.