India Engages Russia and Ukraine on Black Sea Food Corridor and Shipping Safety

India has been actively involved in discussions with both Russia and Ukraine regarding the safety of shipping lanes in the Black Sea, focusing on the uninterrupted export of grains, energy supplies, and fertilisers. This diplomatic effort aims to protect vital trade routes that are crucial for the food security of many countries, especially those in the Global South.

Since July, New Delhi has consistently urged both Moscow and Kyiv to guarantee safe passage for shipments carrying essential commodities. The Indian government is particularly concerned about the impacts of El Niño, which threatens to exacerbate food insecurity in vulnerable regions. In this context, India’s efforts to establish secure 'food corridors' have been a key part of its broader diplomatic engagement.

Addressing these issues, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These talks, held on Monday, took place just before a trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in the United Arab Emirates.

Jaiswal explained that India is proposing practical ideas to both sides related to the protection of shipping routes in the Black Sea and the non-aggression around grain and energy exports. He also mentioned that India and the parties involved have exchanged thoughts on how food corridors could be set up to facilitate the movement of agricultural products.

Following his call with Modi, President Zelenskyy acknowledged discussions about the challenges posed by Russia’s blockade of grain exports from the Black Sea. He also noted India’s willingness to act as a mediator to help establish these crucial food corridors.

Earlier in September, Prime Minister Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Modi urged Putin to end the conflict swiftly, calling for a transition from ongoing warfare to peace. Shortly after, Jaishankar visited Kyiv and met with President Zelenskyy. Modi and Putin also convened during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi later that month, maintaining dialogue on the conflict. Putin has publicly recognized Modi’s constructive ideas toward achieving a mutually acceptable resolution.

At the Kautilya Economic Conclave in early October, Jaishankar emphasized India’s role in facilitating talks between Russia and Ukraine to ensure the safe transportation of grains and fertilisers. He pointed out the severe consequences if these exports were halted, especially for countries in the Global South that rely heavily on these supplies.

India’s concerns deepened after attacks on merchant vessels by both conflicting parties resulted in casualties among Indian sailors. Jaishankar raised these security issues with his counterparts in Moscow and Kyiv. These discussions revealed that grain shipments had nearly stopped due to the unsafe conditions.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts include Modi’s meeting with Putin at the SCO Summit in late August, followed by Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv, and subsequent high-level talks during the BRICS Summit. These exchanges demonstrate India’s commitment to maintaining dialogue and seeking peaceful solutions despite the complexity of the conflict.

Jaishankar described the situation as challenging but underscored the importance of resolving it promptly. The blockade of grain, fertiliser, and energy exports has a disproportionate effect on the Global South, which is already grappling with shortages across the critical "4Fs": fuel, food, fertilisers, and finance. India views its role as a key advocate for these nations, highlighting the global implications of the conflict beyond the immediate region.

In addition to these developments, the MEA dismissed recent accusations against National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and former R&AW chief Samant Goel as baseless, following a civil lawsuit filed by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in a U.S. court.

Regarding the U.S. mid-term elections, the MEA stated that these are internal matters unlikely to influence the strong bipartisan relationship between India and the United States. Both Republican and Democratic parties continue to support close ties with India.

India’s proactive diplomacy on the Black Sea grain issue reflects its broader foreign policy priorities, which include promoting regional stability and supporting the global food supply chain. These efforts align with the country’s growing role on the international stage as a mediator and advocate for developing nations.