India has moved “beyond advocacy” in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is now holding talks with both Moscow and Kiev on Black Sea shipping, grain, and energy exports, as well as possible non-attack arrangements, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has said. New Delhi has become more directly involved in recent months after years of calling for dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar said at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi. India is trying to help first on the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, while discussions have expanded to other immediate concerns shared by the two sides.“We have conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard,” he said, describing talks over grain and energy exports and “non-attack possibilities” as ongoing. Ukraine separately acknowledged India’s increased involvement. Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga said last week that New Delhi had submitted the most comprehensive of four ceasefire proposals being considered by Kiev, alongside initiatives from Türkiye, Egypt, and the US. Kiev is prepared to consider an energy and Black Sea ceasefire if it includes a halt to attacks on energy facilities and port infrastructure, Sibiga said. Ukraine says it is also open to an unconditional ceasefire along the line of contact.
Russia has also welcomed India’s efforts. President Vladimir Putin said last week that Prime Minister Narendra Modi raises the Ukraine conflict at every meeting and has “very good ideas” aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. Modi urged Putin in August to move from “endless war” to an “end of war.”India’s diplomatic engagement is unfolding as New Delhi also faces increased US pressure over its purchases of Russian energy. A recently passed US law would allow Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil, including India and China. New Delhi has warned that such measures could damage bilateral relations and disrupt global energy markets.
Russian crude, which accounts for more than 40% of India’s oil supplies, is crucial for the energy security of the world’s most populous nation. However, New Delhi is also seeking to preserve its commercial relationship with Washington amid prolonged trade negotiations.India has maintained that the Ukraine conflict will ultimately be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations rather than restrictions on trade. Jaishankar said last month that New Delhi was in continuous contact with both sides and was looking for ideas that could help mitigate or end the fighting.
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