India is stepping up diplomatic engagement with Russia and Ukraine to explore ways to restore safe commercial shipping through the Black Sea and establish food corridors for grain exports. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that New Delhi has exchanged proposals with both countries covering shipping security, grain and energy exports, and possible arrangements to prevent attacks on critical infrastructure.
The initiative is significant because the Black Sea is a major route for agricultural exports from Russia and Ukraine, two important suppliers to global food markets. Disruptions to shipping can affect grain, fertiliser and energy supplies, with consequences for food prices and import-dependent economies across the Global South.
India Discusses Food Corridors With Moscow and Kyiv
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on November 10 that India had been engaging with both Russia and Ukraine on proposals aimed at reducing tensions and restoring commercial shipping safety.
The discussions cover three broad areas:
- Safety of shipping: Protecting commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea, particularly those transporting grain, fertilisers and energy supplies.
- Grain and energy exports: Addressing the immediate concerns of Russia and Ukraine regarding the movement of essential commodities.
- Non-attack arrangements: Exploring possibilities to prevent attacks on commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.
Jaiswal said India had exchanged ideas on food corridors and remained in contact with both sides, as well as other interested parties, to contribute to peace efforts.
New Delhi has been raising the issue of safe shipping since July, when attacks on merchant vessels in the region resulted in the deaths and injuries of Indian sailors.
Zelenskyy Seeks India’s Help in Establishing Food Corridors
The diplomatic engagement gained momentum following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 9.
During the discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian consequences and diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
Zelenskyy said the conversation included Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. He indicated that Ukraine was counting on India’s willingness to help mediate the establishment of food corridors.
India’s engagement was subsequently reinforced through a conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The two discussions were held ahead of US-brokered talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi.
Why the Black Sea Is Important for Global Food Supplies
The Black Sea is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for agricultural commodities. Ukraine and Russia are major exporters of wheat and other grains, making the region strategically important for international food markets.
Ukraine’s major Black Sea ports include Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi. These ports handle a substantial share of the country’s agricultural exports.
Russia also transports significant quantities of grain through the wider Azov-Black Sea region. Disruptions to these routes can reduce the availability of agricultural commodities in international markets and create uncertainty for importing countries.
The consequences are particularly important for countries in Africa, West Asia and parts of Asia, where imported grain and fertilisers play an important role in food production and consumption.
The conflict has also affected shipping insurance, vessel operations and the willingness of commercial operators to enter high-risk maritime areas.
India’s Proposal Extends Beyond Grain Exports
India’s diplomatic initiative is not limited to reopening routes for food shipments. It also addresses the movement of energy supplies and fertilisers, which are important for agricultural production and economic stability.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has highlighted the importance of what he described as the four essential requirements of the Global South: fuel, food, fertilisers and finance.
Disruptions to any of these areas can create wider economic pressures, particularly for developing countries that depend on imported commodities.
India has argued that restoring safe commercial shipping would help reduce these risks while creating opportunities for diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The proposal also includes exploring non-attack possibilities, which could help protect commercial vessels and critical infrastructure from military operations.
India Has Increased Diplomatic Engagement With Both Countries
India has maintained diplomatic contacts with Moscow and Kyiv throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In recent months, New Delhi has increased its engagement with both governments.
Modi discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin during meetings in Bishkek and New Delhi. He has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy, urging Russia to move away from a prolonged war towards a peaceful resolution.
Jaishankar also visited Kyiv in September, where he held discussions with Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
In October, Jaishankar said India was becoming more involved in efforts to ensure the safe movement of grain and fertiliser shipments. He described the situation as difficult but important to resolve because disruptions would disproportionately affect countries in the Global South.
Ukraine’s foreign minister had also indicated in October that Kyiv had received ceasefire proposals from India and other countries.
US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Talks Add Diplomatic Momentum
India’s latest engagement coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
US-brokered discussions began in Abu Dhabi on November 10, with the aim of exploring a possible path towards ending the conflict.
The talks provide another diplomatic channel at a time when India is discussing practical proposals with both Moscow and Kyiv.
However, the two countries remain divided over several major issues, including security arrangements, territorial questions and the conditions for ending hostilities.
India’s focus on commercial shipping, food exports and infrastructure protection offers a more specific area for discussion, although any agreement would require cooperation from the parties involved.
The Bigger Picture
India’s engagement reflects the wider economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The security of Black Sea shipping is not only a regional concern but also an important factor in global food and energy markets. Countries dependent on imported grain, fertilisers and fuel can face higher costs when shipping routes become unsafe or unavailable.
For New Delhi, the initiative also strengthens its diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while addressing concerns shared by developing economies. The proposals could help protect commercial trade and reduce supply disruptions, but their implementation depends on whether both sides are willing to agree to practical security arrangements.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus will be on whether India’s discussions with Moscow, Kyiv and other interested parties can produce an agreed framework for protecting commercial vessels and facilitating grain exports. The US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi may provide additional diplomatic momentum, but no final food corridor agreement has been announced. The MEA has not disclosed detailed operational arrangements or a timeline for establishing such corridors.
The outcome will matter beyond the region. A stable shipping arrangement could help restore confidence among vessel operators, improve the movement of agricultural commodities and reduce uncertainty for countries dependent on Black Sea supplies. Until an agreement is reached and implemented, however, commercial shipping will remain exposed to the risks associated with the ongoing conflict.
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