NEW DELHI: India has summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to New Delhi following another attack on a merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members in the Black Sea, escalating diplomatic pressure over the safety of nationals working aboard commercial ships in the conflict zone. The move comes days after a series of attacks on merchant vessels linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war raised serious concerns in New Delhi about the security of civilian maritime traffic.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in the Ukrainian envoy to formally convey India’s concerns over the latest incident involving a commercial vessel that was targeted near Ukraine’s Odesa port. The ship reportedly had four Indian nationals among its crew. New Delhi sought an explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack and reiterated that civilian merchant vessels must not become targets during armed conflicts.
The diplomatic démarche reflects New Delhi’s growing anxiety over repeated attacks affecting merchant shipping in the Black Sea region. Thousands of seafarers serve on international cargo ships, making their safety a priority for the Indian government whenever hostilities threaten global maritime routes. Officials emphasized that international humanitarian norms require all parties to protect civilian lives and commercial navigation.
The latest incident follows an earlier deadly attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which claimed the lives of four seafarers after the ship was struck while departing from Ukraine’s Odesa port. That attack prompted India to summon Russia’s senior diplomat in New Delhi and issue a strong diplomatic protest, describing attacks on commercial shipping as unacceptable.
Demands protection for civilian shipping
The MEA has consistently maintained that merchant vessels engaged in legitimate commercial activity should not be caught in military operations. During its meeting with the Ukrainian ambassador, Indian officials reportedly stressed that the safety of crew members remains a matter of utmost importance and urged all sides involved in the conflict to ensure that civilian shipping lanes remain secure.
New Delhi also underlined that uninterrupted maritime trade is critical for global supply chains. Any attack on civilian cargo ships not only threatens lives but also disrupts international commerce and increases risks for seafarers from multiple countries working aboard merchant vessels.
Officials noted that New Delhi has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to ending the conflict. While maintaining balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine, New Delhi has repeatedly called for respect for international law and the protection of civilians.
Rising risks for seafarers
The Black Sea has become one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Merchant ships transporting grain, industrial goods and other cargo frequently operate under heightened security risks because of missile strikes, drones and naval threats.
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Indian sailors form one of the largest workforces in the global shipping industry. As a result, developments in the Black Sea directly affect many families whose relatives serve aboard international merchant vessels.
Following recent attacks, the government has issued advisories urging nationals considering employment on ships operating in the Black Sea to carefully assess the security situation before accepting assignments. Authorities have advised seafarers to remain fully informed about the evolving conflict and potential dangers associated with sailing through the region.
Shipping companies have also been encouraged to strengthen safety protocols and maintain close coordination with maritime authorities whenever vessels enter high-risk waters.
Diplomatic balancing act
New Delhi’s decision to summon both Russian and Ukrainian diplomats over separate incidents demonstrates its consistent position that civilian lives must be protected regardless of which party is responsible for an attack. Rather than taking sides in the conflict, New Delhi has focused on safeguarding its citizens and defending the principle of freedom of navigation.
The government has repeatedly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and stressed that merchant vessels carrying civilian crews should never become military targets. Officials believe continued attacks threaten global maritime stability and undermine confidence in international shipping routes.
The latest diplomatic engagement with Ukraine signals that New Delhi will continue raising concerns whenever it’s nationals are endangered overseas. The government is also expected to remain in close contact with shipping companies and international maritime agencies to monitor the safety of crew members serving in conflict-prone regions.
As fighting continues around the Black Sea, the welfare of Indian seafarers remains a major concern for New Delhi. The MEA has assured that it will closely monitor developments and take all necessary diplomatic steps to protect citizens working aboard merchant vessels.
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