(Image source from: Vladimir Putin calls Manmohan Singh over Crimea merger})

Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, within hours of his decision to merge Crimea with Russia on Tuesday. The call at the highest level was made at 7.30 PM, wherein the Russian President explained the the recent referendum in Crimea as well as the evolving situation in Ukraine.

Putin call comes in the wake of facing the prospects of an international isolation for merging Crimea with Russia.

During the conversation Singh reiterated India's stand upholding the "unity and territorial integrity" of countries.

Dr Singh was hopeful that the conflicting sides would exercise restraint and work harmoniously towards finding a political and diplomatic solution to the issue. The solution to the issue should be be in conformity to the interest of all countries in the region and establish long-term peace and stability in Europe and other states.

India's external affairs ministry issued a statement to reveal the content of the discussion between Putin and Singh. The ministry revealed that while thanking Putin for explaining Russia's position to India, Singh said that our country has a consistent stand to respect the unity and territorial integrity of countries.

Earlier, during the day, Putin took the bold decision to merge the Crimean region of Ukraine into Russia. This is the first time that Europe's borders would be significantly redrawn after the World War II.

Vladimir Putin had official informed New Delhi that Crimea has requested to join Russia.

During the telephonic conversation, Putin and Singh emphasised on the close relationship and partnership that is mutually beneficial to both the countries. The special and privileged strategic partnership was also reaffirmed by both the countries.

(Picture Source: upload.wikimedia.org)

(AW: Pratima Tigga)