India is taking a more active role in trying to bring Russia and Ukraine closer to a possible ceasefire in the war that has been ongoing for four years. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar recently asserted that New Delhi is now having direct talks with both Moscow and Kyiv, instead of only calling for peace. His statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “very good ideas” for finding solutions that are acceptable to both sides and Ukraine also noted that it is considering India’s proposal.
Why Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Matters To India?
India has clarified about its approach on Russia-Ukraine war, which now goes beyond simply calling for dialogue. Earlier on Ocotber 4, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that India is directly speaking with both Russia and Ukraine to explore ways to reduce the fighting. "We have been advocating it for many years, and in recent months we have got a little bit more involved beyond advocacy,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
"We have conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard. We are trying to be helpful, starting with the Black Sea, safety of shipping issue," he added. Prior to this, during his September 3 visit to Kyiv, the EAM had discussed the situation with Ukrainian officials, including Sybiha and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
For India, the effort is also linked to wider concerns over the safety of shipping and the steady supply of food, fuel and fertilisers, especially for countries in the Global South. The recent attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea have also raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors. India has strongly condemned attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers and also called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict.
India's Peace Plan
Amid these developments, a Hindustan Times report, citing sources states that India has proposed a three-part ceasefire plan aimed at reducing attacks and keeping important supplies moving. The proposal calls for an end to attacks on energy facilities and other key infrastructure, continued movement of grain and energy through Black Sea ports, and a stop to attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea.
The plan is reportedly wider than separate proposals put forward by Egypt, Turkey and the United States. As per report, while Egypt and Turkey have focused mainly on keeping grain and commercial shipping moving, the US proposal has focused on stopping attacks on energy facilities. On the other hand, India’s plan seeks to cover both areas along with the safety of commercial shipping.
Ukraine Calls India's Proposal 'Broadest'
Earlier on October 3, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, without explicitly mentioning the details, had said Kyiv is ready to consider India’s proposal. “We have four proposals. The broadest one is India's proposal. We are ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire, but only in this combination,” the minister said. He also noted that Ukraine had received proposals from India, Egypt, Turkey and the US and was open to discussing a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea.