The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and conveyed India's serious concerns over recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that have resulted in the deaths of Indian seafarers. The diplomatic move came after an attack on merchant vessel MV OMORFI, in which an Indian national was killed, prompting India to strongly condemn attacks targeting civilian shipping.
In an official statement, the MEA said the Ukrainian envoy was called to South Block in connection with the MV OMORFI incident. India highlighted the risks posed to maritime navigation and international commerce due to repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The ministry stressed that such actions endanger the lives of innocent civilian crew members and must be avoided.
"The Ministry conveyed its serious concern over the incident and condemned such attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms," the MEA said. The ambassador was requested to communicate India's concerns to Ukrainian authorities and convey New Delhi's position that attacks affecting commercial vessels and civilian seafarers are unacceptable. India also reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime safety.
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The attack on MV OMORFI took place on July 18, resulting in the death of Chief Officer Sagar Gupta, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India. Responding to India's concerns, the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased Indian sailors while maintaining that threats to civilian navigation were linked to Russia's military actions in the Black Sea. Ukraine said it had repeatedly warned international partners about increasing risks to shipping in the region.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in conflict-affected maritime areas. Another incident involving merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar at Ukraine's Port of Odesa on July 25 also raised alarm, with four Indian nationals reportedly on board. India's Embassy in Ukraine said two crew members were safe, while information regarding the remaining two was awaited as search and rescue operations continued.
The MEA has issued advisories urging Indian seafarers to carefully assess security conditions before accepting assignments involving vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea region. The ministry highlighted that the area remains highly volatile due to ongoing hostilities and advised workers to verify security arrangements, insurance coverage, emergency procedures, and contractual protections before joining ships. India has maintained that protecting civilian maritime crews and ensuring safe commercial navigation remain key priorities amid the continuing conflict.
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