India urges Russia and Ukraine to halt Black Sea attacks as part of truce proposal

India has called on Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks in the Black Sea as part of a broader truce proposal, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying New Delhi is seeking to help resolve shipping safety concerns and address both countries' interests in grain and energy exports.

Jaiswal said India's approach starts with the Black Sea and the safety of shipping, aiming to address the immediate concerns of both Russia and Ukraine regarding their export interests while exploring possibilities for a mutual halt to attacks in the area.

India's diplomatic role

The comments reflect India's continued effort to position itself as a constructive intermediary in aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly around issues affecting global food and energy markets, given the significant role Black Sea shipping routes play in grain exports from the region.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has publicly responded to the specifics of India's proposal as described by the Foreign Ministry. Previous international efforts to secure safe passage for Black Sea shipping have faced repeated interruptions since the start of the conflict.

Jaiswal's remarks suggest India sees addressing the immediate, practical concerns of both parties, rather than resolving the broader conflict, as a more achievable near-term step toward reducing tensions in the Black Sea.