NEW DELHI: India has strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea that claimed the life of an Indian national, describing the incident as a serious threat to international maritime security and global commerce. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that one Indian crew member was killed in the attack, while two other Indian nationals on board escaped unharmed.
In an official statement issued on 24 July 2026, the MEA said the vessel came under attack on 18 July 2026 while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly within Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, the ship had ten crew members, including three Indian nationals.
One Crew Member Dies in Attack
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the attack resulted in the tragic death of one Indian sailor. The government expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
The MEA also confirmed that the remaining two Indian nationals serving on the vessel are safe. While no further details about their identities or current location were released, the ministry assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
The loss of the Indian crew member has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by civilian seafarers operating in conflict-prone maritime regions.
Indian Mission in Russia Extends Assistance
Following confirmation of the incident, New Delhi’s diplomatic mission in Russia immediately contacted the relevant authorities to gather information and coordinate assistance.
The MEA said the embassy is making every possible effort to provide support to the affected family and is working with local officials to facilitate all necessary procedures.
Officials indicated that the government remains in constant touch with the concerned agencies to ensure that all required assistance reaches the family of the deceased without delay.
New Delhi has also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Indian citizens working aboard international merchant vessels.
Strong Condemnation of Attack on Commercial Shipping
In its statement, New Delhi unequivocally condemned attacks targeting commercial ships and innocent civilian crew members.
The government stressed that commercial shipping should never become a target during conflicts and warned that such incidents endanger not only human lives but also international trade and maritime stability.
The MEA noted that attacks on civilian vessels have become a matter of increasing concern, particularly in strategically important waterways where merchant ships transport essential goods across continents.
New Delhi emphasized that ensuring the safety of civilian shipping is crucial for maintaining confidence in international trade routes.
Threat to Global Maritime Navigation
The ministry underlined that uninterrupted maritime navigation remains essential for the smooth functioning of the global economy.
It observed that repeated attacks on commercial vessels threaten freedom of navigation, increase insurance costs, disrupt supply chains, and create uncertainty for international commerce.
MEA stated that the security of sea routes is a shared international responsibility and that all nations have an obligation to protect civilian maritime traffic from violence.
The government warned that continued threats to commercial shipping could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and economic stability.
Call for International Responsibility
New Delhi urged all concerned parties to uphold their international obligations and ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation.
The MEA called for measures that would protect merchant vessels, civilian sailors, and uninterrupted global commerce.
The statement stressed that preserving freedom of navigation is essential under international law and remains critical for maintaining peace and stability across international waters.
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New Delhi also appealed for responsible conduct from all stakeholders to prevent further attacks on commercial shipping.
Growing Risks for Merchant Seafarers
The latest incident reflects the increasing dangers faced by merchant navy personnel operating in regions affected by armed conflict.
Thousands of Indian seafarers serve on international cargo vessels, oil tankers, and merchant ships worldwide, making their safety an important priority for the Indian government.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that commercial ships passing through conflict-sensitive maritime corridors remain vulnerable to attacks despite being civilian assets.
The death of an Indian sailor aboard MV OMORFI underscores the human cost of such incidents and has renewed calls for stronger international efforts to secure global sea lanes.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India will continue extending all possible assistance to the affected family while remaining engaged with the authorities handling the case.
The government maintained that attacks on civilian shipping cannot be justified under any circumstances and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indian nationals working overseas.
With international trade heavily dependent on secure maritime routes, India has once again called upon the global community to work collectively to ensure safe navigation, protect innocent seafarers, and preserve the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping across international waters.
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