India steps up peace efforts as New Delhi holds talks with Kyiv and Moscow ahead of Abu Dhabi negotiations

UPDATE - follow-up to PM Modi speaks to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Kyiv-Moscow conflict, bilateral relations: India is stepping up its diplomatic efforts as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that New Delhi is ready to help set up safe grain corridors. This follows a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Zelenskyy ahead of the peace talks scheduled in Abu Dhabi. During their call, Mr. Modi stated that the long-running war must be settled through talks and diplomacy, while offering India's support for peace efforts. Mr. Zelenskyy stated that he briefed Mr. Modi on the current situation and noted that global food supplies are suffering due to blocked sea routes in the Black Sea.

Diplomatic Push

Shortly after the call with Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the ongoing conflict and peace initiatives. These diplomatic moves come just before U.S. President Donald Trump's negotiators restart talks in the United Arab Emirates with Russian and Ukrainian representatives regarding security guarantees for a ceasefire. The discussions also precede upcoming meetings between Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump at ASEAN summits in Manila, followed by an APEC summit in China that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend.

Context

India has previously shared a four-point proposal with both warring nations aiming to protect civilians, secure energy shipments, and keep Black Sea routes open for food exports. These diplomatic initiatives also seek to ensure the safety of sea mariners, including Indian nationals working on commercial vessels in the region.