EAM Jaishankar Condemns Black Sea Ship Attacks
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that attacks on commercial vessels and Indian seafarers in the Black Sea are unacceptable, regardless of who carries them out.
Jaishankar Raises Black Sea Ship Attacks
During a telephone conversation, Jaishankar discussed the recent attacks on commercial shipping and Indian crew members operating in the Black Sea.
He said India unequivocally condemned attacks by any party and stressed that commercial vessels and civilian seafarers must not be targeted. New Delhi has warned that such incidents endanger innocent lives while threatening freedom of navigation and global trade.
Indian Seafarer Killed on MV OMORFI
The discussion followed an attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI on July 18. The ship was carrying 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals, when it was struck while transiting the Black Sea.
One Indian seafarer was killed, while the other two Indian crew members were reported safe. Indian authorities have not officially confirmed who carried out the attack.
India subsequently summoned Ukraine’s ambassador and lodged a strong protest over the incident. The government asked Ukrainian authorities to convey India’s serious concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels.
India Issues Black Sea Safety Advisory
Recent attacks on commercial ships in the region have resulted in the deaths of several Indian seafarers. Another vessel, MV Golden Leo, was attacked after departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa, leaving four Indian crew members dead and another critically injured.
India has advised seafarers considering employment in the Black Sea region to carefully assess security risks and ensure that their contracts meet international maritime standards. Ukraine has expressed condolences over the casualties and called for continued diplomatic engagement with India.
