India has proposed a three-part ceasefire plan aimed at reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, as New Delhi steps up its engagement with both sides in the fifth year of the war.
The proposal was conveyed to Ukraine during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv last month, people familiar with the development told NDTV. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has confirmed that Kyiv received the proposal.
Sybiha said Ukraine has received four ceasefire initiatives from India, Turkey, Egypt and the United States, and described India’s proposal as the broadest of the four.
What is in India's three-part plan?
India’s proposal focuses on three key areas — stopping attacks on energy facilities and other infrastructure, keeping grain and energy supplies moving through Black Sea ports, and ending attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
The plan therefore goes beyond a ceasefire covering battlefield operations and also addresses infrastructure and maritime security.
Ukraine has said it is open to different formats for a truce, but wants any agreement to include an end to attacks on energy and port infrastructure, along with measures covering the Black Sea.
India’s approach differs from the proposals put forward by Turkey and Egypt, which primarily seek to protect commercial shipping and facilitate the flow of grain from the Black Sea. The US proposal has focused on stopping attacks on energy infrastructure.
What has India said about its role?
India has maintained that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Jaishankar recently said New Delhi has moved beyond simply advocating for peace and is now holding discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv on reducing hostilities.
He said the talks have included issues such as the safety of Black Sea shipping, grain exports and energy supplies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also acknowledged India’s efforts. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has excellent ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable...solutions" to end the conflict and thanked him for seeking a peaceful resolution.
India has maintained a neutral position on the war while continuing its close bilateral relationship with Russia and engaging with Ukraine on diplomatic and security concerns.