From calling for peace, Delhi is now working for it, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• India has transitioned to a more proactive role in the Russia-Ukraine War, moving from advocating for peace to actively working towards it.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described India's peace proposal as the "most comprehensive" among four international initiatives under consideration.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin in September 2022 that "this is not an era of war."
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed India's engagement with both sides, discussing specific issues like Black Sea safety, grain, and energy exports.
• The conflict has severely impacted global food and energy security, leading to shortages and market disruptions.

Detailed Insights:

• The Russia-Ukraine War, which began in February 2022, has prompted India to intensify its diplomatic efforts.
• India's proposal is being evaluated by Kyiv alongside initiatives from Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, which focus on specific areas like grain or energy truces.
• Ukraine has expressed readiness to consider a truce that comprehensively covers energy infrastructure and the Black Sea.
• India's diplomatic approach includes discussions on "non-attack possibilities" and ensuring the safety of shipping in the Black Sea.
• The war has caused significant disruptions to global grain supplies and fertilizer availability, threatening a major food crisis.
• India's continued purchases of discounted Russian oil have been a point of contention, straining ties with the United States but also highlighting India's independent foreign policy.
• India aims to demonstrate even-handed diplomacy to counter criticism regarding its close relationship with Russia.
• PM Modi has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy, urging a shift from "endless wars to ending wars."

Key Concepts Involved:

• Russia-Ukraine War: An ongoing armed conflict since February 2022 with significant geopolitical and economic ramifications.
• Global Food Security: The state where all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
• Energy Security: The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
• Diplomacy: The art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states or groups.