External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Atlanta on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, discussing the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Gulf region and other key international developments.

The meeting was held during the two-day G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on October 30 and 31, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the discussions, Jaishankar highlighted the need to protect civilian vessels and sailors amid the ongoing conflict. He also stressed the importance of finding a way to resume grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, two major suppliers of food grains to global markets. Grain shipments through the Black Sea have witnessed a significant decline.

Jaishankar also spoke about the challenges surrounding attacks on energy infrastructure. He said the issue was complex because different countries had different interpretations of what constitutes critical energy infrastructure.

This includes refineries, power grids and vessels transporting fuel. India is trying to bring all concerned parties together to discuss these issues and explore possible solutions.

Speaking about India's diplomatic engagement, Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Delhi and Bishkek. He also recalled his own visit to Moscow and said he had recently discussed the matter with Lavrov.

Jaishankar added that he had also visited Kyiv and that India remained in contact with the Ukrainian leadership. New Delhi was also coordinating with Washington, which has its own peace mediation initiative.

He said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was broadly aware of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The meeting comes amid continued international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. India has maintained diplomatic engagement with Russia, Ukraine and the United States, while emphasising dialogue, diplomacy and the protection of civilian interests.

The discussions in Atlanta underline India's continued efforts to engage key stakeholders and encourage dialogue on the Ukraine conflict and wider global security challenges