As Russian forces attacked cities in Ukraine, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night, pleading for an"immediate cessation of violence" and emphasizing  the safe exit of India's citizens from Ukraine was of the utmost importance to India.

PM Modi called for "consistent efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue," according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

According to the statement, he reiterated his "long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and NATO can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue."

President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the latest developments in Ukraine.

India's concerns about the safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine, particularly students, were also discussed by the Prime Minister. He stated that India places a high priority on their safe exit and return.

"The leaders agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would maintain regular contact on issues of mutual interest," according to the statement.

After months of tension over the former Soviet republic's proximity to NATO, Russia launched military operations against Ukraine on Thursday morning.

Tanks and other heavy equipment rolled into several northern Ukrainian regions, separatist-controlled areas in the east that Russia has recognised as independent nations, and the Kremlin-annexed Crimean peninsula in the south.

Throughout the day, Russian missiles rained down on a number of cities. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities, including 11 aerodromes, were destroyed in Ukraine. According to Ukraine, Russia has launched 203 attacks since the day began.

According to an AFP tally based on various Ukrainian official sources, at least 68 people were killed, including soldiers and civilians.

"What was happening left us with no choice," Mr Putin, who previously claimed that Ukraine is a puppet of the West, told his country's business representatives today.

Igor Polikha, Ukraine's envoy, had sought India's intervention earlier today, saying that Modi-"stature ji's makes me hopeful, that with Modi ji's strong voice, Putin will think."

PM Modi held a meeting with his top ministers on Thursday evening, emphasising the importance of focusing on safely returning Indian nationals.

"Prime Minister Modi stated at the CCS meeting that the government's top priority is the safety and security of Indian nationals, including students in Ukraine," Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.