India has advised nationals considering jobs on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea to carefully assess the security risks…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised Indian nationals planning to take up employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea region to carefully assess the prevailing security situation before accepting such assignments, citing a sharp rise in attacks on merchant shipping.
The ministry said the security environment in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile because of the ongoing conflict, with commercial vessels facing significant threats from missile and drone attacks.
“Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters (Black Sea) are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of 5 Indian lives,” the MEA said in a statement.
The advisory urged Indian nationals who nevertheless choose to work on such vessels to exercise the utmost caution and obtain detailed information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel’s intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance cover and emergency response procedures.
The ministry also advised seafarers to ensure that their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of an emergency.
The MEA further asked Indian nationals to keep their families informed about their travel plans, maintain regular contact during voyages and seek consular assistance from the Indian Embassy whenever required.
It also urged seafarers to regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and other relevant government authorities.
“In particular, Indian nationals are advised to refer to the recent Security Advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on 23 July 2026,” the ministry said.
The advisory comes two days after the MEA confirmed that an Indian national was killed when the commercial vessel MV OMORFI came under attack while transiting the Black Sea on July 18, reportedly in Russian territorial waters.
According to the ministry, three Indian nationals were among the 10 crew members on board the vessel. One Indian sailor died in the attack, while the other two were reported safe.
“It has come to our attention that on July 18, 2026, the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, there were ten crew members on board, including three Indian nationals,” the MEA had said.
“As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe.”
The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Russia had contacted the relevant authorities and was extending all possible assistance to the affected family.
India also reiterated its condemnation of attacks on commercial shipping.
“India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk. It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats. India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce,” the MEA said.
Earlier this week, four Indian nationals were killed in an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leopard after it departed from Odesa port in Ukraine.
