# India Steps Up Mediation Efforts as Ukraine and Russia Prepare for Talks President Zelensky and Prime Minister Modi discuss food security corridors ahead of Abu Dhabi negotiations. - **Source:** [The Kyiv Independent](https://kyivindependent.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b40ab877-4d5e-4e65-af68-c03b9063f5c2 ## Diplomatic Push in Abu Dhabi Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. This high-stakes gathering aims to establish a path toward ending the nearly five-year-old conflict. The talks follow a period of effective deadlock that has persisted between the warring parties since February. ## Zelensky and Modi Consult President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 9 to discuss diplomatic developments. Zelensky emphasized the importance of India identifying specific steps to help end the war. The leaders focused on the potential for India to mediate in establishing secure food corridors. ## Focus on Food Security The discussion highlighted the critical issue of Russia blocking grain exports via the Black Sea. Zelensky noted that global food security is a primary concern, with hundreds of millions suffering due to restricted maritime routes. India has expressed readiness to mediate these corridors to alleviate international economic pressures caused by war. ## India's Four-Point Proposal New Delhi has actively proposed a four-point plan to both Moscow and Kyiv. This initiative seeks to stop attacks on civilians, ensure safe passage for grain and energy shipments, and protect seafarers. The proposal aims to prevent the targeting of commercial vessels, many of which are operated by Indian nationals. ## Jaishankar Engages With Russia Following his call with Zelensky, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. This conversation focused on the ongoing conflict and various diplomatic initiatives. It serves as a clear indication of New Delhi’s intent to maintain a balanced, active mediatory role between the two nations. ## Neutrality and Strategic Ties India has historically maintained a neutral stance, calling for diplomatic resolution while simultaneously bolstering trade ties with Moscow. As one of Russia’s leading oil buyers, India leverages its unique position to facilitate dialogue. New Delhi’s human-centric approach emphasizes that the conflict must be resolved through diplomacy rather than military force. ## International Diplomatic Context The upcoming Abu Dhabi talks will include representatives from the European Union, NATO, and national security advisers from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, U.S. negotiators, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are set to restart discussions regarding security guarantees required for a potential ceasefire after a three-month hiatus. ## Future Mediation Prospects As the Abu Dhabi talks commence, it remains uncertain whether India will join the existing dialogue or pursue a separate, larger mediation role. With upcoming summits in Manila and China, the timing of these diplomatic calls is significant. The world watches to see if these efforts translate into tangible peace progress. ## Sources covering this story - [Source — Zelensky Seeks Indian Mediation for Peace Talks with Russia](https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-seeks-indias-assistance-in-peace-efforts-ahead-of-russia-talks/) - [The Hindu – International — India Steps Up Mediation Efforts Between Russia and Ukraine](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pm-modi-speaks-to-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-on-kyiv-moscow-conflict-bilateral-relations/article71683116.ece) - [The Hindu – National — India Steps Up Mediation Efforts Between Russia and Ukraine](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pm-modi-speaks-to-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-on-kyiv-moscow-conflict-bilateral-relations/article71683116.ece) - [DW – Top Stories — India Offers Mediation for Black Sea Grain Corridors](https://www.dw.com/en/india-news-new-delhi-ready-to-mediate-black-sea-food-corridors-says-ukraine-s-zelenskyy/live-79906023?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-rdf) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._