India Proposes Mediation for Ukraine Food Corridors Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks

India has announced its readiness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to establish food corridors, following a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 9, 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dialed Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov hours later, with both conversations focusing on the conflict and upcoming diplomatic initiatives.

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are resuming after a nine-month lull, with negotiations scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi. The talks are expected to address security guarantees for a possible ceasefire. India has moved beyond advocacy, reaching out to both governments with a detailed proposal. The plan calls for stopping attacks on civilians, allowing grain and energy exports through the Black Sea, ensuring safe passage for ships, and protecting seafarers, many of whom are Indian nationals. Officials have been in close contact with both sides and hope for responses before the Abu Dhabi discussions commence.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's readiness to contribute to peaceful resolution efforts during his call with President Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader stated that Modi has repeatedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that 'now is the time to end the war, not to continue it'. Zelenskyy briefed Modi on preparations for the Abu Dhabi meeting and emphasized that Russia must show readiness to de-escalate. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain contact.

Food security as mediation priority

A central pillar of India's mediation offer is addressing the blockade of grain exports. President Zelenskyy stated that the two leaders discussed Russia's blocking of grain exports via the Black Sea and India's possible role in establishing food corridors. Zelenskyy suggested India can mediate to establish these corridors for unimpeded grain movement, citing the global economic and humanitarian impact of blocked sea routes. He said India could contribute to ending the conflict through these food security initiatives. This focus follows a major Russian attack, with Zelenskyy reporting that Russia launched 36 missiles and 172 drones targeting energy facilities in Kyiv.

Abu Dhabi peace talks resuming

The upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi mark the first such meeting since February. U.S. President Donald Trump's negotiators, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will restart discussions after a three-month pause. The previous nine-month stall was due to Russia's demand that Ukraine hand over 2,000 square miles of territory from four regions Moscow annexed in September 2022. Ukraine has rejected the demand to cede territory and is instead seeking security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5. President Trump has said Kyiv and Moscow are 'very close' to a deal but added that 'they’re going to end up with a little bit different shape Ukraine'.

India's proposal is notably more comprehensive than previous offers from other nations, covering infrastructure, commercial shipping, and commodity flows beyond just grain or energy ceasefires. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had previously visited Kyiv on September 3 to propose a three-part truce. Prime Minister Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek in September, urging an end to the 'endless war'. Putin later said Modi has 'good ideas' to find a mutually acceptable solution. The diplomatic push continues as the Abu Dhabi peace talks begin on Tuesday with Russian and Ukrainian representatives.