India is holding discussions with both Russia and Ukraine on restoring safe shipping in the Black Sea, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on October 4, 2026.
Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India had been advocating for greater safety in the region for several years and had become more involved in recent months.
“We have been advocating it for many years, and in recent months we have got a little bit more involved beyond advocacy,” he said.
Jaishankar said India was maintaining conversations with both sides and seeking to contribute to efforts on the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. The discussions also cover immediate concerns involving grain exports, energy exports and “non-attack possibilities”.
Details of proposals remain undisclosed
Jaishankar did not disclose the specific proposals being discussed, provide a timeline for the talks or indicate whether Russia and Ukraine were close to reaching an agreement.
Commercial shipping under pressure
The discussions come amid continued fighting and attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Several incidents have involved Indian seafarers, prompting India to raise the issue with both Russia and Ukraine.
These include a July strike on MV Omorfi, in which its Indian chief officer was killed, and an attack on MV Golden Leo that resulted in the deaths of four Indian seafarers.
Ukraine has said it is prepared to consider an energy and Black Sea truce. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said India had, for the first time, indicated a willingness to play a role.
At the United Nations General Assembly last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said India, Egypt and Turkey had submitted written proposals to Kyiv concerning safe navigation in the Black Sea and that Ukraine was awaiting Russia’s response.
India raises shipping safety at the UN
India has also raised the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers at international forums. At the UN Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping.
India and Liberia have also launched a UN Group of Friends focused on the safety of shipping and seafarers.
Importance for global shipping
The Black Sea is a major route for grain and energy exports, and disruptions can affect shipping activity, insurance costs and global food and energy markets.
India has an additional interest in maritime safety in the region as a major source of seafarers, with Indian crew members serving on commercial vessels operating internationally.
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