India Proposes Black Sea Ceasefire to End Russia-Ukraine War

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, India has followed a careful approach with two tracks. India became a major buyer of discounted Russian crude oil even as Western nations imposed sanctions. At the same time, India kept diplomatic channels open with Ukraine. The Prime Minister told the Russian President in 2022 that 'this is not an era of war'. He repeated similar messages in later meetings. In Moscow in 2024, he said a 'solution cannot be found on the battlefield'. This balancing act shows a broader pattern in India's foreign policy. Energy security strongly shapes India's diplomatic choices. This is true in India's dealings with Middle Eastern oil suppliers as well. The Black Sea region includes littoral states such as Romania and Bulgaria besides Ukraine and Russia. This region is a key corridor for global grain trade. Any disruption there has effects well beyond the two warring countries.

Romania and Bulgaria are the only two countries from the given list that share a land border with Ukraine. The others (Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania) do not. Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. It includes participation from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.