New Delhi, April 1 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which the Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of violence and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute in any way to the peace efforts. Lavrov briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in Ukraine, including the ongoing peace negotiations. The Russian Foreign Minister also updated Prime Minister on the progress of decisions taken during the India-Russia bilateral Summit held in December 2021, an official statement said. The meeting holds significance as it comes amid increasing protests by the West against India’s ties with Russia and New Delhi’s plans to purchase Russian crude at discounted prices at a rupee-ruble payment. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi who was in New Delhi last week to hold talks with the External Affairs Minister had also reportedly sought an appointment with the PM, which was politely turned down. RN