India presses for safer Black Sea shipping and food corridors in Russia–Ukraine talks

India has reiterated proposals to protect commercial shipping in the Black Sea, facilitate grain and energy exports, and explore non-attack arrangements with Russia and Ukraine. Speaking in New Delhi on 10 November 2026, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the initiatives formed part of India’s diplomatic engagement to reduce the conflict’s humanitarian and economic impact.

The discussions place maritime trade and essential commodity supplies among the practical areas where India is seeking progress with Moscow and Kyiv. The proposals remain under discussion, with no jointly accepted operational framework announced.

What has India proposed for Black Sea shipping?

Jaiswal outlined three areas of engagement: safeguarding shipping in the Black Sea, addressing Russia’s and Ukraine’s immediate concerns over grain and energy exports, and examining possible non-attack arrangements.

He also confirmed that India had exchanged ideas with both countries on food corridors and remained in contact with other interested parties.

The briefing reiterated suggestions previously conveyed to the two governments. It did not announce the opening of a shipping corridor or provide implementation dates, designated routes or procedures for commercial vessels.

For the maritime sector, the distinction is significant: diplomatic discussions on safe passage have yet to translate into an agreed arrangement governing vessel movements.

How are India’s leaders engaging Moscow and Kyiv?

The comments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 9 November.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Zelenskyy shared his assessment of developments in the conflict. Modi reaffirmed India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy and conveyed its willingness to contribute to efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

The leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation. Modi’s account of the conversation referred to the conflict’s humanitarian consequences and ongoing peace initiatives.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar separately spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about diplomatic efforts concerning the conflict, Jaiswal said. The contacts reflect India’s continued engagement with both governments.

What has Ukraine said about food corridors?

Ukraine’s presidential office identified food security as a potential area for Indian involvement following the Modi–Zelenskyy conversation.

Its statement said the leaders discussed Russian obstruction of grain exports through the Black Sea and described India as ready to mediate in establishing food corridors. Zelenskyy said Ukraine expected those efforts to continue.

The two leaders agreed that their teams would remain in contact. While Kyiv’s statement expressed support for Indian mediation, it did not announce an agreement with Russia on corridor operations.

What does the earlier Black Sea grain agreement show?

The Black Sea Grain Initiative provides a historical example of an agreed mechanism for protected commodity movements. Established in July 2022, it enabled exports from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.

A Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul brought together representatives of Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the United Nations. It monitored commercial vessel movements and coordinated inspections under agreed procedures.

During its operation, the initiative facilitated shipments of more than 32 million tonnes of grain and foodstuffs to 45 countries. The World Food Programme transported more than 725,000 tonnes of wheat through the arrangement for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen.

The initiative ended on 17 July 2023 after Russia withdrew from its implementation, including associated navigation security guarantees. India’s current discussions have not been presented as a revival of that agreement, but again put shipping safety and reliable food supplies at the centre of diplomatic efforts.