NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has summoned Ukraine’s ambassador after an attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea killed Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta. The move marks a strong diplomatic response as concerns grow over the safety of civilian shipping in the conflict-hit region. India also renewed its call for all sides to protect merchant vessels and ensure safe maritime navigation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attack took place on July 18 while the MV OMORFI was sailing through the Black Sea. According to the ministry, the vessel was reportedly in Russian territorial waters when it came under attack. The ship carried 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals. Sagar Gupta died in the strike, while the other two Indian crew members remained safe.
Soon after the incident, the MEA summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk. During the meeting, Indian officials conveyed their serious concern over the attack. They also strongly condemned strikes on commercial shipping and stressed that such incidents threaten maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international trade.
The ministry said India asked the Ukrainian envoy to convey New Delhi’s concerns to the Ukrainian government. In addition, officials said attacks that put innocent civilian seafarers at risk remain unacceptable. India also urged all parties involved in the conflict to avoid actions that endanger commercial vessels.
Earlier, the MEA expressed condolences to the family of Sagar Gupta. The ministry said it deeply regretted the loss of an Indian citizen and extended its sympathies to his loved ones. At the same time, officials confirmed that the other two Indian crew members aboard the MV OMORFI were safe.
Furthermore, the ministry repeated its strong opposition to attacks on merchant ships carrying civilian crews. It said the increasing threats to commercial shipping have become a matter of serious concern. India also urged all countries involved in the conflict to respect international obligations and protect the uninterrupted movement of global commerce.
Meanwhile, the latest attack follows several similar incidents in the Black Sea. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has increased risks for commercial vessels operating in the region. As a result, shipping companies and seafarers continue to face growing security challenges.
The MV OMORFI attack came shortly after another deadly incident involving the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel. That ship came under attack after leaving Ukraine’s port of Odesa. It carried 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indian seafarers lost their lives in that strike, while another Indian crew member suffered critical injuries.
Following the MV Golden Leo incident, India also condemned attacks on civilian merchant vessels. The MEA stressed that commercial ships and non-combatant crew members should never become targets during armed conflicts. In addition, the ministry said the Indian mission in Ukraine continued to provide support and assistance to affected Indian nationals.
Another incident added to the growing concern over maritime security. On Sunday, a merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck at the port of Odesa. According to the Embassy of India in Ukraine, two Indian crew members were safe. However, officials said they were still waiting for information about the remaining two Indians on board.
At the same time, Ukraine reached out to India following the recent deaths of Indian seafarers. The Embassy of Ukraine in India said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In the letter, Sybiha expressed condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals. He also hoped the foreign ministers of both countries would soon discuss the worsening security situation in the Black Sea.
As tensions continue, India has also issued a fresh advisory for Indian seafarers. The government asked Indian nationals planning to work on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region to carefully evaluate the security risks before accepting employment. The MEA also advised seafarers to ensure that their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards.
