India has initiated new efforts, in coordination with Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, aimed at ensuring the safety of shipping, facilitating exports from the Black Sea, and preventing attacks on energy infrastructure. During the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Atlanta on Sunday, Jaishankar stated that India is engaging with the parties involved in the conflict regarding three key issues: the safety of civilian vessels and seafarers, the resumption of grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, and the prevention of attacks on energy infrastructure.
Jaishankar mentioned that India is working to bring the concerned parties together to find solutions to these issues. Among the three points discussed with Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, the first is to prevent attacks on civilian vessels and sailors. The second is to resume grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, as exports via the Black Sea have declined significantly due to the conflict. The third—a highly critical issue—concerns disruptions to energy flows. India is attempting to build a consensus among all three involved parties regarding these matters.
Preventing attacks on energy infrastructure is perhaps the most complex issue, as it may carry different meanings for the various parties involved. This encompasses energy infrastructure in a broad sense; for some, it might refer to refineries, while for others, it could mean the power grid. Additionally, there could be issues concerning vessels used for transporting fuel.
Discussions with three parties: Jaishankar
Following the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Jaishankar stated, “India has held discussions regarding this conflict with three sides: Russia, Ukraine, and European nations. India’s endeavor is to find practical ways to safeguard civilians, global trade, and the supply of food and energy, even amidst the war. We have engaged in discussions on these three aspects with Russia, Europe, and Ukraine.”
India’s initiative is significant because it has maintained high-level communication with both sides. In addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the External Affairs Minister has also visited both Moscow and Kyiv. Ongoing dialogue is being maintained with the leadership of both Russia and Ukraine. On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and discussed a range of issues.
The Global South will be the most affected: Jaishankar
S. Jaishankar stated that countries in the Global South are bearing the brunt of disruptions in energy supplies. He noted that these nations are also facing the impact of energy shortages. Therefore, this challenge should not be overlooked or dismissed as a problem confined only to a few specific countries. The G20 should acknowledge this problem and strive to find a solution.
