Kremlin Supports India's Initiative for Ukraine Peace Talks

The Kremlin has expressed support for India's initiatives aimed at mediating peace in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This affirmation comes amidst India's ongoing diplomacy focused on fostering dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs in India, confirmed this endorsement during a recent press briefing on national matters.

India's approach involves proposals to ensure the safety of maritime shipping in the Black Sea and to establish understandings against attacks in the region. Jaiswal elaborated that India is committed to addressing immediate concerns of both nations regarding grain and energy exports, underlining the importance of non-attack arrangements.

During the briefing, Jaiswal noted, "We have ongoing conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard," highlighting India's dedication to being a constructive player in international diplomacy. He reiterated India's long-standing belief that dialogue and diplomacy are paramount for resolving conflicts, a stance emphasised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions.

The Prime Minister has previously declared that this is not an era for war and that solutions must be sought through dialogue rather than the battlefield. During his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Modi remarked that it is time for the “endless war to give way to an end of war.”

India's ceasefire proposal, described as the broadest among recent submissions to Kyiv, was acknowledged positively by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, indicating India's proactive stance. This proposal was likely tabled during the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Ukraine earlier this month and was also discussed during meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September.

As the conflict nears its fifth year, hostilities have increased significantly, with Russia targeting various locations in Ukraine while Ukraine strikes Russian economic centres. Recently, there has been a marked spike in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Jaiswal reported that two Indian seafarers sustained injuries and received medical treatment in Romania and Bulgaria, enhancing the urgency for diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage for vessels in the area.

He condemned the attacks on civilian shipping, stating, "We condemn such attacks that threaten commercial shipping and endanger lives of our seafaring community." In this context, he reiterated India’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and restoring peace, calling for the cessation of hostilities that endanger commercial navigation and the lives of seafarers.

Additionally, Jaiswal updated the status of Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military, indicating that 259 Indians are believed to have been enlisted, with efforts resulting in the discharge of 139 individuals so far. The Ministry is pursuing the release of the remaining 69 Indian nationals known to still be with the Russian armed forces.

Amidst these complexities, the Indian government continues to advise citizens against pursuing enlistment in foreign military forces, underscoring the associated risks. Prime Minister Modi initially raised this issue during discussions with President Putin in July. The Russian Ambassador has previously stated that recruitment of Indian nationals was halted as of March 2025. Nevertheless, concerns persist as reports indicate ongoing recruitment efforts even after advisories were issued, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness among Indian nationals regarding the potential dangers.