External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday raised India’s concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea region during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila. The discussion came after four Indian crew members aboard a merchant vessel were killed in an attack off the coast of Ukraine. The two ministers met on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings, where they held discussions on bilateral relations, trade, investment, energy security and other areas of cooperation between India and Russia.

Jaishankar said India conveyed its strong concerns regarding the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the conflict-affected region. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the security of Indian nationals working in areas impacted by ongoing geopolitical tensions. "An in-depth review of our bilateral relations with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia," Jaishankar said in a post on social media after the meeting. He added that the two sides discussed various aspects of their partnership, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and mobility.

The ministers also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and developments in West Asia. The discussions come as India continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with both Russia and other global partners amid ongoing international conflicts. The Black Sea region has remained a sensitive area due to the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, which has affected maritime movement, shipping routes and commercial activities. Indian seafarers working on international vessels have also faced challenges due to the security situation in the region.

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India has repeatedly emphasised the importance of protecting its citizens abroad, particularly those working in conflict zones or high-risk areas. The government has maintained that the welfare and safety of Indian nationals remain a key priority in its foreign policy engagements. The meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov also reflected the broader scope of India-Russia ties, which include cooperation in energy, defence, trade and connectivity.

Both countries have continued diplomatic engagements despite differences in the international response to the Ukraine conflict. The discussions in Manila took place alongside wider ASEAN-related diplomatic meetings, where regional and global issues, including security, trade and geopolitical challenges, were discussed. India is expected to continue monitoring the situation involving Indian seafarers and engage with relevant countries to address safety concerns arising from conflicts and disruptions in international shipping routes.

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