India on Wednesday strongly condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, expressing concern over threats to international maritime trade and the safety of seafarers, including Indian nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that four merchant vessels had been targeted in separate incidents over a 48-hour period, leaving at least two Indian crew members injured.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi on October 7, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian shipping and reiterated India’s commitment to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Jaiswal said the attacks posed serious risks to commercial navigation and endangered the lives of maritime workers operating in the region.
Providing details of the incidents, he confirmed that the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov was attacked while sailing in the Black Sea.
Three Indian nationals were aboard the vessel, including one who sustained injuries and subsequently received medical treatment.
The Indian Embassy in Romania remains in contact with the crew to monitor their safety and provide necessary assistance.
Another vessel, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, was reportedly attacked on Tuesday. According to the MEA, the status of its crew remains unknown.
A third ship, the Palau-flagged MV Able, was struck in a drone attack. All 18 crew members, including seven Indian nationals, were rescued.
One Indian crew member sustained injuries and remains under medical supervision.
Jaiswal thanked Bulgarian authorities for their assistance during the rescue operation and confirmed that India’s diplomatic mission in Bulgaria was providing support to the affected seafarers.
The fourth vessel, the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio, was also targeted. All 23 Indian crew members aboard the tanker were successfully rescued.
The incidents have heightened concerns over maritime security in the Black Sea, a strategically important shipping corridor for international trade, including agricultural commodities and energy supplies.
India urged all parties to ensure the protection of commercial vessels and restore safe passage through international waterways.
Jaiswal emphasized that attacks against merchant ships and civilian seafarers must cease, stressing the importance of uninterrupted navigation and international commerce.
The spokesperson also reiterated India’s longstanding position that the Russia-Ukraine conflict must be resolved through peaceful negotiations rather than continued military confrontation.
He confirmed that New Delhi remains engaged in discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv to explore possible avenues for de-escalation.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek in August, Jaiswal recalled Modi’s message that the prolonged conflict must move toward a peaceful conclusion.
India has continued diplomatic engagement with both countries, with officials indicating that its efforts have received acknowledgment from Russia and Ukraine.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Sunday that India had intensified its diplomatic efforts in recent months, moving beyond general appeals for peace toward discussions on specific measures to reduce hostilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged India’s contribution to exploring potential solutions, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Kyiv had received proposals from India and three other countries concerning a possible ceasefire.
According to the MEA, India’s discussions have included maritime safety in the Black Sea, the protection of grain and energy exports, and possible arrangements to prevent attacks on critical commercial infrastructure.
Jaiswal said India would continue engaging with both Russia and Ukraine to address immediate security concerns and support efforts toward a negotiated settlement.
The latest attacks have reinforced New Delhi’s call for stronger protection of international shipping routes, particularly as Indian seafarers remain exposed to risks arising from the continuing conflict in the region.
