India has proposed a peace framework that includes ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea\u2014a move that has come as a major shock to Ankara, which harbors its own designs for this maritime region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presented a three-point proposal to both Moscow and Kyiv, focusing on the safety of commercial vessels, the uninterrupted flow of grain and energy, and a mutual “non-aggression” agreement regarding maritime infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative was coordinated entirely between New Delhi and Moscow, effectively bypassing Ankara\u2014and the Turkish Navy\u2014for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russia is well aware that Turkish F-16 fighter jets and personnel are currently stationed in Latvia to conduct air patrols against the “Russian threat” under the NATO umbrella; consequently, Moscow does not trust Turkey in the Black Sea under any circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The earlier Russian rejection of a similar proposal put forward by Turkey is deeply rooted in the complex, underlying reality of the relationship between Russia and Turkey. Quite unexpectedly, India\u2014and its Navy\u2014may gain access to the Aegean Archipelago and the Black Sea, a development that would completely alter the geopolitical map of all Southeast Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This move by India stems from the fact that Indian seafarers account for over 12% of the global maritime workforce; recent drone and missile attacks in the Black Sea have claimed the lives of Indian citizens and resulted in the sinking of, or damage to, merchant vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the necessity for grain supplies and the transport of hydrocarbons, India is making a robust entry into the region\u2014for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India\u2019s motivation is immediate, as recent drone and missile attacks in the Black Sea have resulted in the death and injury of several Indian seafarers\u2014who, as noted, make up more than 12% of the global maritime workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India, while maintaining traditionally good relations with Moscow and simultaneously strengthening its ties with Kyiv, is attempting to act as a bridge to find a technical and diplomatic solution\u2014one that would move past these mutual accusations and safeguard international trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turkey traditionally views the Black Sea as its own geopolitical sphere of influence and controls the Straits under the Montreux Convention; it certainly does not want an adversary of Pakistan present in what is, for Turkey, the most important sea after the Aegean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the current climate, the situation remains extremely tense, as merchant vessels and tankers\u2014whether linked to Ukrainian or Russian interests or carrying their cargoes\u2014are being struck by drones from both sides. This has prompted India\u2019s Ministry of External Affairs to adopt a more active mediating role, going beyond mere diplomatic condemnation of the incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should this Indian proposal be implemented, Greek officials would surely welcome the presence of a friendly nation in the wider region, and would likely be prepared to extend facilities to New Delhi.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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