External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, calling them “absolutely unacceptable,” during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday.
The discussion comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers serving on merchant vessels operating in the conflict-hit Black Sea region, following a series of attacks near the Ukrainian ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.
Sharing details of the conversation, Jaishankar said the two ministers discussed the recent attacks on commercial shipping and the risks faced by Indian crew members.
“Such attacks by any party are absolutely unacceptable and India condemns them unequivocally,” Jaishankar said, reiterating India’s concern over the safety of seafarers and the security of international maritime trade.
During the call, Sybiha briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict, including ongoing peace negotiations and recent diplomatic engagements involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Reaffirming India’s longstanding position, Jaishankar stressed that India continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only path toward resolving the conflict. He also highlighted the wider global implications of the war, noting that multiple international conflicts are affecting fuel, fertilizer and food security, particularly for countries in the Global South.
Sybiha said that attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea undermine freedom of navigation and threaten global food security. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace and invited India to play an active role in ongoing peace efforts. Both ministers agreed to remain in close contact.
The issue has gained urgency following several recent attacks involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers. Thirteen Indian crew members remain stranded aboard MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, which has been subjected to repeated missile and drone attacks.
Earlier this month, four Indian seafarers were among ten crew members killed when MV Golden Leo was struck near Odesa. Last week, another merchant vessel, MV AGN Ragnar, carrying four Indian nationals, was also hit at Odesa port, with two Indian crew members still reported missing.
The incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in the Black Sea and renewed calls for the protection of civilian vessels and seafarers operating in the conflict zone.
