New Delhi: India has strongly condemned a Russian drone attack on a civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea after the strike killed two crew members and injured several others, including an Indian national.
The Turkish owned cargo vessel MV Royad Mammadov came under attack outside Romania’s territorial waters, triggering a fire on board. Three Indian nationals were among the crew. One Indian sailor was initially reported injured and was taken to a hospital in Romania for treatment.
The Indian Embassy in Romania said it was in contact with local authorities and was monitoring the safety and welfare of the Indian crew members. The Indian ambassador also spoke with the Indian nationals receiving medical care at Constanta County Hospital. Hospital authorities confirmed that they were in good health and receiving necessary treatment.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condemned the attack on civilian shipping, calling such incidents completely unacceptable. He reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving the Russia Ukraine conflict.
The attack has added to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, a major route for international trade and food supplies. The region has faced repeated disruptions since the start of the Russia Ukraine war, with attacks affecting ships and port infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the vessel was carrying crew members from several countries, including India and Azerbaijan. He said the ship’s captain was killed and the fate of another crew member was initially unclear. Eleven crew members were rescued, with one reported injured.
Zelensky also called for stronger international efforts to improve security in the Black Sea and prevent further disruption to global food supplies.
The incident comes shortly after a Russian strike in Ukraine’s Sumy region killed a 52 year old employee of a pharmaceutical warehouse owned by Indian interests, adding to concerns over the safety of Indian citizens and assets amid the continuing conflict.
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