India has 'gone beyond advocacy', held talks with both Russia and Ukraine to end war: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar disclosed on Sunday that India is actively engaged in negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to end the Russia-Ukraine war that has been ongoing since February 2022. Jaishankar's comments were made at the Munich Leaders' Meeting in New Delhi, just days after Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that India had presented a comprehensive proposal to end the conflict for the first time.

Jaishankar emphasized that India's position on the conflict has been clear all along - the desire for an end to the war necessitates dialogue and diplomacy. He explained that India has been advocating for this for years and has now become more involved in the recent months, engaging in conversations with both Russia and Ukraine. The discussions are centered on ensuring safe shipping in the Black Sea, addressing immediate concerns related to grain and energy exports, and exploring possibilities for a non-attack scenario.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the historical strong relationship between India and Russia, dating back to the 1950s, when Russia supported India during times of security concerns. However, he noted that modern relationships have evolved, with Russia now being an important economic partner for India as well. Jaishankar stressed that India's assessment of a country is based on its own experiences, and that India's relationship with Russia has become more balanced, encompassing military, nuclear, space, trade, investment, and energy sectors.

On October 1, Russia's President Vladimir Putin had previously told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India has "very good ideas" about ending the conflict. The same day, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Sybiha revealed that India's proposal was the most comprehensive among those presented. Ukraine is open to considering an energy and agricultural truce in the Black Sea and a potential unconditional ceasefire along the line of contact.

Ukraine has also received proposals from Turkey, Egypt, and the United States for a possible ceasefire, which would require an end to attacks on energy and port infrastructure, as well as addressing the situation in the Black Sea.