New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the father of Naveen Shekharappa, who was killed in shelling in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Tuesday, and offered his heartfelt condolences to the devastated family, according to media reports.
The 21-year-old final-year medical student, from Karnataka’s Haveri, lost his life when Russian forces fired missiles in the centre of Kharkiv this morning (Ukraine time).
This is India’s first casualty since Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine six days ago.
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The PM has convened a high-level meeting this evening in the wake of the tragedy, Hindustan Times reported.
It remains to be seen if India – which shares friendly relations with Russia — hardens its stand against Kremlin now.
Modi, during a phone call with Putin four days ago, did call for a complete cessation of violence as he felt talks were the only way to resolve issues.
India, however, refrained from voting during a UN General Assembly session condemning Russia’s attack of Ukraine.
Some political analysts are of the view that the Modi government could be more tough this time as there has been no sign of a ceasefire yet.
