India Calls for End to Black Sea Attacks on Indian Seafarers

India has urged an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea after four ships carrying Indian seafarers came under attack within 36 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the incidents and called for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said commercial shipping must be protected and free navigation through international waterways restored.

The first incident involved MV Royad Mammadov, which was attacked while sailing in the Black Sea.

Three Indian nationals were onboard, with one sustaining injuries. The Indian Embassy in Romania is assisting the crew.

A Togo-flagged vessel, Alfa Watan, was also attacked. Authorities were yet to confirm the fate of its crew.

Meanwhile, Palau-flagged MV ABLE suffered a drone attack. All 18 crew members, including seven Indians, were rescued.

One Indian seafarer was injured and remains under medical supervision. Bulgarian authorities assisted in the rescue.

The fourth incident involved Liberia-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio near Sochi, Russia.

The vessel was reportedly targeted by unmanned surface vessels. All 23 Indian crew members were rescued and evacuated safely. No injuries were reported among them.

Against this backdrop, India reiterated its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

New Delhi has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy as the route towards a resolution.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said India has increased its engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow. Russia has also welcomed India’s willingness to contribute towards resolving the conflict.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has described India’s ceasefire proposal as the broadest among four offers received. Kyiv has indicated support for a combined ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea.

India’s latest appeal highlights the urgent need to protect seafarers and safeguard commercial vessels.

It also stresses the importance of keeping international waterways open, ensuring uninterrupted trade, and reducing regional tensions through dialogue, diplomacy and greater cooperation among countries.

Image Credit: Александр Свинарчук, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_of_the_Black_sea_coast_in_Crimea._Novy_Svet_is_seen_at_left,_and_the_Sokol_Rock_is_at_the_center.jpg