Ukraine dials India, seeks peace role amid ship attack concerns

File photo: External affairs minister S Jaishankar with Ukraine foreign minister Andrii SybihaNEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar discussed attacks on commercial shipping and Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, underscoring India's position that such attacks by any party are absolutely unacceptable and condemned unequivocally. India had earlier summoned Ukrainian ambassador to protest an attack on a commercial ship that killed an Indian seafarer. Ukraine blamed Russia for the deteriorating Black Sea security situation."Was briefed on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict and peace negotiations. India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy between parties concerned," the EAM said on X. He also underlined the fragility of the current international situation, saying multiple conflicts were affecting fuel, fertiliser and food security, especially for Global South.Sybiha said he briefed Jaishankar on President Zelensky's recent US visit and alleged that Russian attacks on civilian vessels undermine freedom of navigation, threaten global food security and fuel instability in energy markets. Reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to a lasting peace, Sybiha said he encouraged India to play an active role in peace efforts.