Govt summons Ukrainian ambassador after Indian sailor killed in Black Sea strike

India summoned Ukraine's ambassador after an Indian seafarer was killed in a strike on MV OMORFI in the Black Sea. The move came amid fresh attacks on merchant vessels and a renewed Indian advisory for seafarers in the region.The MEA said the Ukrainian Ambassador was asked to communicate India's position to authorities in Kyiv. (Photo: AFP)The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to New Delhi, Oleksandr Polishchuk, after an Indian seafarer was killed in a strike on merchant vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea. During the meeting, the MEA condemned attacks on commercial vessels "in the strongest terms" and said such incidents threaten maritime safety, freedom of navigation and global trade. It also urged Kyiv to prevent actions that put innocent civilian seafarers at risk.The sailor killed in the July 18 attack was identified by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) as Chief Officer Sagar Gupta. This comes amid a series of attacks on merchant ships operating in and around the Black Sea, where security has sharply deteriorated as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.INDIA CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPPINGIn a statement, the MEA said, "The Ministry conveyed its serious concern over the incident and condemned such attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms, underscoring their adverse impact on the safety of maritime navigation, freedom of navigation, and international commerce."The ministry said the Ukrainian Ambassador was asked to communicate India's position to authorities in Kyiv. "The Ambassador was requested to convey to the Ukrainian authorities India's strong concerns over the targeting of commercial vessels and reiterated that such actions, which endanger the lives of innocent civilian seafarers, are unacceptable and must be avoided."ANOTHER SHIP HIT OFF ODESAIndia's diplomatic intervention came even as another incident involving Indian nationals unfolded in the Black Sea. On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar, carrying four Indian nationals, was hit at the Port of Odesa on July 25. While two sailors have been confirmed safe, information about the other two is still awaited. Search and rescue efforts are continuing, and the embassy said it remains in constant touch with the relevant Ukrainian authorities.Earlier this month, another merchant vessel, MV Golden Leo, came under attack while departing the Port of Odesa. Four Indian nationals were killed and one was critically injured in that strike, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian merchant sailors since the conflict intensified.UKRAINE EXPRESSES CONDOLENCESHours before the envoy was summoned, the Embassy of Ukraine in India issued a statement extending condolences over the deaths of Indian seafarers and confirmed that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.The embassy said Sybiha had sent a letter conveying condolences over the loss of Indian lives amid the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea."In addition to the letter of condolence addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Andrii Sybiha, to the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Embassy of Ukraine extends its profound sympathy to the families of the Indian seafarers who lost their lives as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea."The Ukrainian mission also expressed hope that the foreign ministers of both countries would speak soon to discuss the evolving security situation."We hope that, following the relevant proposal made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, a conversation between the foreign ministers of our two countries will take place in the near future to discuss in detail the current security situation in the Black Sea region."While offering condolences, Ukraine maintained that civilian shipping continues to face risks because of the broader conflict in the region. It said it had repeatedly warned international partners about threats to maritime navigation and had communicated its concerns through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The embassy also pointed to India's recent maritime security advisory, saying timely preventive action remains essential to protect merchant crews and civilian vessels.MEA ISSUES SECURITY ADVISORYAgainst the backdrop of repeated attacks, the MEA has advised Indian nationals considering employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea to carefully evaluate the security situation before accepting assignments.The ministry said the region remains "highly volatile" because of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with missile and drone attacks posing serious risks to commercial shipping. It noted that attacks on merchant vessels have increased significantly since April this year, resulting in the deaths of five Indian seafarers.The advisory urged prospective crew members to seek detailed information from employers and ship operators about sailing routes, onboard security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures before joining vessels. It also advised seafarers to ensure that employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and contain provisions for medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in case of emergencies.Indian nationals working in the region have also been asked to remain in regular contact with their families, follow advisories issued by Indian authorities and reach out to Indian missions in the region if consular assistance is required.- EndsWith inputs from agenciesPublished By: Satyam SinghPublished On: Jul 27, 2026 18:06 IST