NEW DELHI, INDIA — India is not likely to join the Black Sea Grain Initiative, according to the nation’s External Affairs Ministry, noting that mechanisms are in place for it to extend food grain assistance to several countries in the south, the Tribune in India reported.

When asked if India was considering joining the grain corridor, Arindam Bagchi, ministry spokesman, said India has been extending assistance to countries from the south bilaterally.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine made with Turkey and the United Nations (UN) following Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. On July 24, the initiative restarted the movement of grain and agricultural products on the Black Sea, which had stopped due to Russia’s blockade that sparked fears of a global food shortage. The deal was extended 120 days in late November.