- India's diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has evolved from passive neutrality to active engagement and peace proposal facilitation. - The proposed Black Sea ceasefire initiative aims to ensure maritime security, food security, and safe grain exports disrupted by the conflict. - India maintains a delicate balancing act, preserving its historic defence and energy ties with Russia while advocating for dialogue and territorial integrity of Ukraine. - India's mediation efforts highlight its rising stature as a voice of the Global South and a proponent of reformed multilateralism and strategic autonomy. - **Strategic Autonomy:** India's cornerstone foreign policy principle of maintaining independent decision-making and diplomatic relations with all major powers based strictly on national interest, without joining formal military alliances or blocs. - **Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal:** A comprehensive three-part truce initiative proposed by India focused on halting energy facility attacks, protecting commercial merchant shipping, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of grain and energy through maritime corridors. **Introduction** The article discusses India's evolving diplomatic role and peace proposals concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing particularly on proposals around a Black Sea ceasefire, maritime navigation, and global food security. It highlights India's adherence to strategic autonomy while attempting to bridge gaps between warring nations as a mediator. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - India's diplomatic stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has evolved from passive neutrality to active engagement and peace proposal facilitation. - The proposed Black Sea ceasefire initiative aims to ensure maritime security, food security, and safe grain exports disrupted by the conflict. - India maintains a delicate balancing act, preserving its historic defence and energy ties with Russia while advocating for dialogue and territorial integrity of Ukraine. - India's mediation efforts highlight its rising stature as a voice of the Global South and a proponent of reformed multilateralism and strategic autonomy. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Strategic Autonomy:** India's cornerstone foreign policy principle of maintaining independent decision-making and diplomatic relations with all major powers based strictly on national interest, without joining formal military alliances or blocs. - **Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal:** A comprehensive three-part truce initiative proposed by India focused on halting energy facility attacks, protecting commercial merchant shipping, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of grain and energy through maritime corridors.