India steps up diplomatic efforts to mediate Russia-Ukraine war

India has stepped up diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, seeking to use its close ties with both countries to facilitate peace talks and ensure safe commercial shipping and the resumption of grain exports through the Black Sea.

New Delhi is particularly discussing the establishment of a safe corridor for transporting food grains through the Black Sea with Moscow and Kyiv.

The developments were highlighted in an analysis published by US-based Foreign Policy on 11 November, written by Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst.

According to the analysis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week.

Around the same time, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions were under way with both sides on the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, grain and energy exports, and the possibility of halting attacks on infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said India was ready to mediate efforts to establish a safe corridor for grain exports through the Black Sea. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also praised Modi's efforts and proposals to end the war.

Analysts believe India's longstanding strategic ties with Russia and friendly engagement with Ukraine have placed New Delhi in a favourable position to play a mediating role.

At the same time, a prolonged war could disrupt India's energy and arms imports from Russia.

Moreover, growing Chinese dependence on Moscow could undermine India's regional strategic interests.

However, significant challenges remain to the initiative. Ensuring safe shipping through the Black Sea requires the consent of both Russia and Ukraine.

Cooperation from countries such as Turkey, along with arrangements for shipping insurance and security, would also be essential.

The success of India's diplomatic initiative will therefore depend largely on the willingness of both warring sides to reach an agreement.

Source: Foreign Policy