Ukraine has appreciated India’s engagement in international efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha raising the issue during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York amid continuing concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the region.
Sybiha said Ukraine values India’s engagement in efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the two sides discussed peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and international developments, with particular attention to the situation in the Black Sea and its impact on markets. He also underlined the importance of restoring maritime navigation for global food security.
The Black Sea has become a major area of concern during the Russia-Ukraine conflict because attacks and security risks have affected civilian vessels, ports and maritime routes. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has previously said that Russian attacks on civilian shipping and Ukrainian port infrastructure have contributed to the deterioration of maritime security in the region. The ministry has linked safe navigation in the Black Sea with the continued movement of Ukrainian exports and global food supplies.
For India, the issue also has a direct maritime and economic dimension. During Jaishankar’s earlier visit to Kyiv in September, discussions with Ukrainian officials included attacks on commercial shipping and the safety of seafarers. India has a large maritime workforce, and Indian seafarers have been among those affected by the conflict-related risks in the region. Jaishankar had also highlighted concerns that disruptions to shipping can affect fuel, fertiliser and food supplies for countries beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The latest meeting between Jaishankar and Sybiha also reflects continued diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Kyiv. India has maintained communication with both Ukraine and Russia and has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the means of addressing the conflict. Jaishankar has said that India remains in contact with both sides and is looking at ideas that could contribute to reducing and eventually ending the conflict.
Beyond the Black Sea issue, Sybiha and Jaishankar also discussed preparations for the next meeting of the India-Ukraine bilateral intergovernmental commission. Ukraine has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with India in areas including science, education, technology, agriculture, information technology and pharmaceuticals. The two countries are also looking at strengthening broader economic and technological partnerships.
The latest development does not indicate an Indian military or naval deployment in the Black Sea. Instead, the focus is on diplomatic engagement and international efforts to support safe maritime navigation. Ukraine’s appreciation of India’s role highlights the importance Kyiv places on New Delhi’s engagement on issues connected with maritime security, food supplies and the wider Russia-Ukraine conflict.
With the Black Sea continuing to face security challenges, restoring safe navigation remains an important issue for Ukraine and international trade. India’s continued diplomatic contacts with Kyiv provide another channel for discussions on maritime security, food security and possible avenues for reducing the wider impact of the conflict.