Stories
Why India Stepped Up Russia-Ukraine Talks After Sailor Deaths
- •External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India increased its engagement with Russia and Ukraine after attacks on civilian shipping in July killed and injured Indian sailors.
- •Initial discussions focused on maritime safety and protecting seafarers but later expanded to include grain shipments, energy, and potential non-attack arrangements.
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar held high-level diplomatic contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- •Jaishankar cautioned that while there is no certainty of a breakthrough, the effort is worth making to address the concerns of the Global South.
- •India reiterated its position that the conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield and questioned the usefulness of peace meetings that exclude Russia.
Key Questions Answered
India intensified its diplomatic talks with both Moscow and Kyiv after civilian shipping attacks in July killed and injured Indian sailors. Four Indian seafarers lost their lives when the commercial vessel Golden Leo was struck while leaving a Ukrainian port, prompting strong protests and renewed safety reviews from New Delhi.
The talks initially focused on maritime safety and protecting seafarers from attacks, but have since expanded into broader conversations. These discussions now encompass the movement of Black Sea cargo, facilitating grain exports, energy cooperation, and potential non-attack arrangements.
External Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that the conflict is unlikely to be resolved on the battlefield and will eventually require negotiations. Furthermore, India has questioned the effectiveness of international peace conferences held on the Ukraine conflict that exclude Russia.
