India urges Russia, Ukraine to protect Black Sea shipping

India has called upon Russia and Ukraine to safeguard commercial shipping through the Black Sea, as attacks on merchant vessels endanger Indian seafarers and could disrupt crucial food and energy supplies. Discussions between both nations are ongoing, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasizing the need to end the targeting of commercial shipping and restore free navigation in international waters.

India, which employs over 12% of the global seafaring workforce, is particularly vulnerable to such attacks. A recent grain-carrying cargo ship, the MV Royad Mammadov, sank after an attack, resulting in two crew deaths and injuries to three Indian nationals. In response, India is pushing for a deal that would halt attacks on commercial shipping, protect energy infrastructure, and ensure safe passage for grain and energy exports.

Diplomat Anil Wadhwa believes that India's position on the issue stems from its close ties with Russia and its growing engagement with Ukraine. However, Russia has not publicly backed the proposed safe-passage deal. Wadhwa suggests that India could leverage its diplomatic influence over Moscow and collaborate with China, Brazil, and South Africa to negotiate a comprehensive maritime security agreement.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's announced "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine may provide India with a chance to push for broader maritime provisions within the US-backed agreement. If successful, India could potentially avert higher import costs and protect the livelihoods of its seafarers by ensuring secure shipping routes in the Black Sea.