India, May 13 -- India on Tuesday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer of direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said the proposed dialogue is an opportunity for the two countries to address their concerns directly.

Putin offered "serious negotiations" with Zelensky on May 15 to eliminate the "root causes of the conflict" and establish a "long-term, lasting peace". He said it may be possible for the two sides to agree on a new truce during the proposed negotiations and this would be the first step toward a sustainable peace.

"India welcomes Russia's offer for direct talks with Ukraine," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly media briefing when he was asked about the Russi...