India working with Russia, Ukraine to secure grain shipments: Jaishankar

India is mediating between Russia and Ukraine to secure grain and fertiliser shipments, linking the effort to food security for the Global South, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Monday. He also rejected the idea of a global trading system without the United States. Jaishankar detailed efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after attacks on merchant ships halted grain exports. He said a limited resolution is in the works, as stopping these exports would disproportionately affect developing nations. At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Jaishankar dismissed a suggestion that India and China could revive the WTO without the US, calling it unviable. He noted India's trade deficit with China and stressed the US remains a principal strategic and defence partner, while India pursues multi-alignment and free trade agreements.