New Delhi: New Delhi has summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea claimed the lives of Indian seafarers, including one Indian national aboard MV OMORFI. The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its strong concern over the deteriorating security situation and condemned attacks on civilian shipping, calling them unacceptable.
The government said the envoy was called to South Block following the July 18 attack on MV OMORFI, which resulted in the death of Chief Officer Sagar Gupta. India stressed that attacks targeting commercial vessels threaten maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and international trade, while endangering the lives of innocent civilian crew members. The envoy was asked to communicate New Delhi’s concerns to the Ukrainian government.
The diplomatic move comes as the Black Sea continues to witness intensified missile and drone attacks linked to the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict, placing merchant ships and civilian sailors at increasing risk.
Ukraine expressed condolences to the families of the deceased Indian seafarers and acknowledged India’s concerns. However, it maintained that the worsening security environment in the Black Sea is the result of Russia’s military actions. The Ukrainian Embassy said it had repeatedly warned international partners about threats to civilian navigation and highlighted measures taken to address maritime security through international channels.
The latest exchange also follows another incident at Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, where merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck on July 25 while carrying four Indian nationals. Two crew members have been confirmed safe, while search and rescue operations continue for the remaining two.
Earlier this month, four Indian nationals were killed and another critically injured after merchant vessel MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing Odesa, further highlighting the dangers faced by Indian sailors in the conflict zone.
In response to the escalating risks, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian seafarers to carefully evaluate security conditions before accepting assignments on vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea. The advisory recommends obtaining complete details about shipping routes, insurance coverage, emergency procedures, and safety arrangements, while ensuring employment contracts include provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in case of emergencies. It also urges crew members to stay in regular contact with their families and closely follow official maritime security advisories.
