India condemns Black Sea attack, summons Ukraine ambassador after sailor killed

Kyiv: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, following the death of an Indian seafarer in a strike on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea.

During the meeting, India strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels, saying such incidents threaten maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international trade. The MEA asked the Ukrainian envoy to convey New Delhi's concerns to the Ukrainian authorities and stressed that civilian seafarers must not be put at risk.

Indian sailor killed in Black Sea attack

The sailor who died in the July 18 strike was identified by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) as Chief Officer Sagar Gupta.

His death comes amid a series of attacks on merchant ships operating in and around the Black Sea, where security has deteriorated because of the continuing Russia-Ukraine war.

India's diplomatic intervention came as another merchant vessel, MV AGN Ragnar, carrying four Indian nationals, was struck at the Port of Odesa on July 25.

According to the Indian Embassy in Ukraine, two Indian crew members have been confirmed safe, while information about the remaining two is still awaited. Search and rescue operations are continuing, and the embassy said it remains in contact with Ukrainian authorities.

Earlier this month, another vessel, MV Golden Leo, was also struck while leaving Odesa. Four Indian nationals were killed and one was critically injured in that attack, making it one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian merchant sailors since the conflict escalated.

Ukraine expresses condolences

Before the ambassador was summoned, the Ukrainian Embassy in India expressed condolences over the deaths of Indian seafarers.

The embassy said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressing sympathy and proposing discussions on the evolving security situation in the Black Sea.

Ukraine also said civilian shipping remains at risk because of the broader conflict and noted that it has repeatedly raised concerns about maritime security with international partners.

India issues fresh advisory for seafarers

Amid repeated attacks on commercial vessels, the MEA has advised Indian nationals considering employment on ships operating in or transiting the Black Sea to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments.

The ministry said missile and drone attacks have made the region highly volatile and noted that five Indian seafarers have lost their lives in attacks on merchant vessels since April.

It urged sailors to seek detailed information about sailing routes, onboard security measures, insurance coverage and emergency procedures before joining ships. The advisory also asked Indian nationals to stay in touch with their families, follow official advisories and contact Indian missions if they require consular assistance.