India urges Putin 'to hold direct talks with Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an Indian government source quoted by a news agency.

"President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams," the source said, declining to be named ahead of an official statement.

"Prime Minister Modi urged President Putin to hold direct talks with President Zelensky of Ukraine, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams."