When Did India Begin Latest Talks With Russia, Ukraine? Jaishankar Reveals

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has revealed that India began the latest round of conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in July 2026, providing further details about New Delhi's efforts to remain engaged with both sides amid the continuing conflict.

Jaishankar's remarks came a day after he said that India had moved beyond simply advocating dialogue and was now somewhat more involved in efforts aimed at finding ways to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking during the concluding session of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar explained that the latest conversations with Moscow and Kyiv began after commercial ships came under attack from both sides in the Black Sea.

The development highlighted one of the areas where the conflict has consequences beyond the battlefield. The Black Sea remains important for commercial shipping, trade and the movement of essential commodities, making attacks on commercial vessels a concern for countries that depend on secure maritime routes.

Jaishankar said India has maintained a consistent position on the conflict since its beginning. According to him, New Delhi has believed that the war is unlikely to be resolved on the battlefield and that negotiations between the two sides would ultimately be necessary.

The minister's comments indicate that India's engagement with Russia and Ukraine has expanded beyond its traditional public advocacy for dialogue. New Delhi is now holding conversations with both sides on issues connected with the wider consequences of the conflict.

Jaishankar also acknowledged that the situation remains difficult. However, he suggested that progress should not necessarily be measured only by the possibility of a comprehensive peace agreement. Even if Russia and Ukraine were able to reach an understanding on a limited issue, he said, that could represent a positive development.

The latest conversations began in July, following attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea. The timing is significant because maritime security, along with the movement of grain and energy supplies, has been among the wider concerns arising from the war.

India's approach has been to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv rather than align itself exclusively with either side. This allows New Delhi to engage with both governments while continuing to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred route towards resolving the conflict.

Jaishankar's latest comments also provide additional context to India's recent diplomatic engagement. Earlier, he had said that New Delhi was in conversations with both Russia and Ukraine and was attempting to be helpful on matters including the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, grain and energy exports, and possible arrangements aimed at reducing attacks.

The minister's remarks suggest that India's role is focused less on acting as a formal mediator and more on maintaining communication and exploring areas where practical progress may be possible.

For India, the conflict has implications that extend beyond relations between Moscow and Kyiv. The war has affected global energy markets, food supplies, shipping routes and broader international economic conditions. As a major economy with significant interests in energy security and international trade, India has sought to maintain working relationships with both sides.

Jaishankar reiterated that India does not view military victory as the likely route to ending the conflict. Instead, negotiations and diplomacy remain central to New Delhi's position.

The minister also appeared to acknowledge the difficulty of achieving a broad settlement in the current environment. Rather than waiting for an all-encompassing agreement, India appears willing to support progress on individual issues where Russia and Ukraine may be able to find common ground.

The disclosure that the latest round of conversations began in July provides a clearer timeline for India's increased involvement. It also comes as international efforts to find a way towards ending the conflict continue amid changing military and diplomatic circumstances.

While the conversations do not necessarily indicate that India is acting as a formal mediator, they demonstrate New Delhi's willingness to maintain direct communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Jaishankar's comments underline India's continuing emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations as the eventual path towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war. At the same time, India's engagement appears to focus on practical issues where even limited agreements could help reduce the wider impact of the conflict.