India condemns attacks on seafarers, says engaging with Russia, Ukraine for peace

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that have put Indian seafarers in danger, calling for an immediate end to attacks on shipping and the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said four commercial vessels had come under attack in the region, with Indian nationals among the crews of several ships. At least two Indian seafarers were injured in the incidents, while dozens of crew members were rescued.

"We have seen a string of attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea region. We condemn such attacks that threaten commercial shipping and endanger lives of our seafaring community," Jaiswal said, addressing a bi-weekly press conference.

FOUR VESSELS COME UNDER ATTACK

Among the vessels targeted was the commercial ship MV Royad Mammadov, which was attacked while sailing through the Black Sea. Three Indian nationals were on board. One of them was injured and has since received medical treatment.

The Indian Embassy in Romania is in contact with the crew to ensure their safety and welfare. Jaiswal also thanked Romanian authorities for their support and swift response. Another vessel, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, was attacked, with the fate of its crew still unknown, according to the MEA.

The Palau-flagged MV ABLE was also targeted in a drone attack. All 18 crew members, including seven Indian nationals, were rescued. One Indian seafarer suffered injuries and is receiving medical supervision.

The fourth vessel was the Liberian-flagged oil tanker AFRAMAX RIO. All 23 crew members on board were Indian seafarers and were rescued following the attack.

INDIA CALLS FOR END TO SHIPPING ATTACKS

The incidents have renewed concerns over the risks facing commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has created a dangerous environment for merchant vessels.

India called for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and enable an early return to peace.

"We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable an early return of peace to the region," Jaiswal said.

"The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways must be restored at the earliest."

INDIA PUSHES DIALOGUE, DIPLOMACY

Amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaiswal reiterated India's long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the time had come for "endless war to give way to end of war".

India has maintained communication with both Russia and Ukraine as it seeks to support efforts towards peace.

Jaiswal said India's engagement has also focused on practical issues arising from the conflict, particularly the safety of Black Sea shipping and concerns surrounding grain and energy exports.

"We are trying to be helpful, starting with the Black Sea safety of shipping issue, addressing immediate concerns of Russia and Ukraine on grain and energy exports, and non-attack possibilities," he said.

"We have ongoing conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard."

The attacks come as the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows signs of widening across the Black Sea, with commercial vessels and port infrastructure increasingly caught in the crossfire. In recent days, drone strikes have hit merchant ships in the waters of Romania and Bulgaria, while Russia has also targeted port and ship-repair infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region.