Ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks, Modi speaks to Zelenskyy; Jaishankar speaks to Lavrov

The upcoming peace conference in Abu Dhabi brings together leaders from Ukraine, Russia and several other nations to discuss ways to end the conflict that began in 2022. India’s prime minister used a phone call with President Zelenskyy to offer the country’s support for diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that New Delhi wants to see a stable environment that allows humanitarian aid to move freely. The conversation also touched on the need for reliable grain supplies, a topic that has dominated international discussions since the war disrupted exports from the Black Sea.

In a separate call, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to explore possibilities for cooperation on food security. Both ministers agreed that establishing safe corridors for grain shipments could reduce the risk of shortages in vulnerable regions. The dialogue highlighted India’s willingness to act as a neutral facilitator, a role that aligns with its broader foreign policy of promoting peace and stability in its neighbourhood and beyond. The two officials also discussed ways to coordinate with international agencies to monitor the movement of food supplies.

For Indian readers, the development matters because it underscores the country’s growing influence in global diplomatic circles and its capacity to contribute to solutions that affect food prices at home. A stable grain market can help keep staple food costs lower for Indian households, especially in rural areas that depend heavily on wheat and rice. Moreover, India’s involvement in peace talks enhances its reputation as a responsible power, which can translate into stronger trade ties and greater leverage in future negotiations on a range of issues.