Indian sailor killed in Black Sea as Ukraine targets vessels:India summons Ukrainian ambassador; 5th Indian death this month

India has summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk in connection with the attack on a ship in the Black Sea that killed an Indian sailor. Indian sailors’ unions have blamed a Ukrainian drone for the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly raised this matter with Ukraine. According to the MEA, the ship MV Omorfi was attacked while transiting the Black Sea on July 18. The ministry said in a statement last week that the attack reportedly occurred in Russian territorial waters.
There were 10 crew members on board the ship at the time of the attack, including three Indian nationals. Indian crew member and Chief Officer Sagar Gupta were killed in the attack. Two other Indian crew members on board were reported safe. Indian Embassy closely monitoring situation Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is actively monitoring the situation following the incident involving the cargo vessel MV AGN Ragnar, which was struck while berthed at the Port of Odesa on 25 July. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and the Embassy remains in continuous contact with the relevant Ukrainian authorities and other concerned agencies to obtain updates and provide all necessary assistance to the affected Indian citizens. The latest death brings the number of Indian nationals killed in strikes in the Black Sea this month to at least five. The fatalities have occurred in attacks attributed to both sides involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, underscoring the growing risks faced by commercial vessels navigating the conflict zone. Earlier, Four Indian nationals were killed after the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo, which had departed from Ukraine’s Odesa port, came under attack. The Indian government strongly condemned the attack, saying that targeting commercial vessels and innocent civilians is completely unacceptable. 17 crew members on board, including five Indians According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was attacked on the evening of July 19. At the time, there were 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals. The MEA expressed condolences to the families of the deceased Indians and wished the injured Indian a speedy recovery. In its statement, the ministry said: The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy is in constant touch with the Ukrainian authorities and is extending all possible assistance to those affected. Black Sea tensions escalate as attacks threaten grain shipping Renewed fighting in the Black Sea has intensified risks to commercial shipping, a vital route for Ukrainian grain exports. Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on ports, cargo vessels and maritime infrastructure. Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting deepwater ports and commercial ships, while Russia says it is striking fuel depots and military-linked infrastructure. The escalation has renewed concerns over the safety of global shipping and grain supplies. India condemned the attack India has strongly condemned the attack on the ship. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members are unacceptable. The ministry has appealed to all parties to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and maintain the free flow of global trade. India maintains that the security of commercial shipping routes is essential and the safety of civilian seafarers should not be compromised. The Marshall Islands-flagged ship was MV Omorfi The MV Omorfi is a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier built in 2010. It was operating in a region where merchant ships have been repeatedly attacked amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The incident also highlights the growing security risks faced by Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea region, who constitute one of the largest groups in the world’s merchant navy. Advisory to Indian seafarers and shipping companies Indian authorities have issued an advisory to seafarers and shipping companies asking them to carefully assess safety risks before working in the Black Sea or its surrounding areas. The advisory advises seafarers and shipping companies to confirm sea routes, check insurance coverage, and understand emergency procedures. Officials said these aspects are important to consider before accepting any assignment. Allegations of the use of Ukrainian drones in the attack Indian seafarers’ unions have blamed a Ukrainian drone for the attack. However, the available information does not mention any confirmation of this allegation from Ukraine. The available copy does not provide further details regarding responsibility for the attack or its full circumstances. India has previously called for ensuring the security of commercial shipping lanes. New Delhi has consistently emphasized that global trade through sea lanes must be protected and that the safety of civilian seafarers must not be compromised under any circumstances.