New Delhi Offers To Help Set Up Sea Food Routes Amid Ongoing War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held phone talks on Monday to discuss food security and efforts to end the conflict.

Key Talks And Proposals

The conversation came ahead of US-brokered diplomatic meetings starting Tuesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the same day. Zelenskyy stated that India offered to help set up safe sea routes for grain exports through the Black Sea. Modi reaffirmed India's strong support for a peaceful resolution and thanked the Ukrainian leader for sharing his views.

Black Sea Concerns

Zelenskyy pointed out that blocked sea lanes are hurting the global economy and hundreds of millions of people. India's broader proposal includes stopping attacks on energy infrastructure and grain shipments in the Black Sea region. Conflict in this key shipping zone threatens food supplies for roughly 400 million people across Africa, West Asia, and Asia. Both Ukrainian and Russian ports handle massive amounts of agricultural trade through these contested waters.

Context

Food corridors are safe maritime paths that allow cargo ships to carry grain and food supplies out of war zones without facing attacks. India has maintained a neutral diplomatic stance throughout the conflict, speaking regularly with the leadership of both nations to encourage dialogue. Major shipping routes in this region are vital for feeding millions of people in developing countries across the globe.