India Moves From Advocacy to Direct Talks in Russia-Ukraine Peace Push

India has escalated its role in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts, moving beyond advocacy to direct conversations with both Kyiv and Moscow, as confirmed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday. This marks the first public acknowledgment of New Delhi's expanded engagement in the five-year conflict. Jaishankar stated at the Munich Leaders' Meeting that India is now involved in negotiations, focusing on Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, and energy supplies. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted India's ceasefire proposal is the "broadest" among four received, with Kyiv ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "very good ideas" for resolving the conflict, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed India's peace efforts, aligning Moscow with New Delhi's emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy.