India Steps Up Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts
Jaishankar says New Delhi is in active discussions with Moscow and Kyiv on Black Sea shipping, grain and energy exports.
India has stepped up its engagement with both Russia and Ukraine in efforts to help resolve the ongoing war, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Sunday. He said New Delhi has moved beyond simply advocating dialogue and diplomacy and is now holding conversations with both sides.
Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India is trying to be helpful by initially focusing on the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. The maritime route is important for the movement of food and energy supplies affected by the conflict.
Jaishankar said the discussions have expanded beyond shipping safety to include grain exports, energy exports and possible arrangements to prevent attacks. He described these as ongoing conversations involving both Russia and Ukraine.
India has consistently maintained that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Jaishankar reiterated that position while indicating that New Delhi is now taking a more active role in discussions aimed at addressing practical concerns arising from the war.
The comments come after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had received ceasefire proposals from four countries, including India. Ukrainian officials have described the Indian proposal as particularly comprehensive, although the details of the proposal have not been publicly disclosed in full.
Jaishankar's remarks also come amid renewed international efforts to restart negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States is seeking another round of talks between the two sides, potentially by the end of October.
India's involvement reflects its longstanding relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv and its stated preference for diplomacy over continued conflict. The outcome of the ongoing conversations will depend on whether Russia and Ukraine can agree on practical arrangements covering maritime security, exports and broader de-escalation.