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India has summoned the Ukrainian envoy after Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta was killed in the Black Sea attack on MV OMORFI.
India summoned the Ukrainian envoy after Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta was killed in the attack on commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea, with the MEA condemning attacks on merchant shipping. (File photo/Reuters)
India has summoned the Ambassador of Ukraine to India, HE Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, following the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea that claimed the life of Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta, marking a sharp diplomatic response to the latest incident involving Indian nationals in the conflict-hit maritime region.
The move comes after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the July 18 strike on the merchant vessel, terming attacks on commercial shipping “unacceptable” and calling on all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and international commerce.
According to the MEA, the MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters.
The vessel had 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
Sagar Gupta died in the attack, while the other two Indian crew members were reported safe.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs mentioned, “Today, the Ambassador of Ukraine to India, HE Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in connection with the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI, which resulted in the tragic death of an Indian national.”
“The Ministry conveyed its serious concern over the incident and condemned such attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms, underscoring their adverse impact on the safety of maritime navigation, freedom of navigation, and international commerce,” it mentioned.
“The Ambassador was requested to convey to the Ukrainian authorities India’s strong concerns over the targeting of commercial vessels and reiterated that such actions, which endanger the lives of innocent civilian seafarers, are unacceptable and must be avoided,” the MEA statement read.
India Had Expressed Condolences Over The Incident
Expressing condolences, the ministry had said, “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. 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 MEA also issued a strong condemnation of attacks on merchant vessels carrying civilian crews.
“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 ministry said.
The decision to summon the Ukrainian envoy comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks involving commercial vessels operating in and around the Black Sea, where the Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly heightened risks for international shipping.
The latest incident follows another deadly strike involving the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel that was targeted shortly after departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa.
The ship had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed in that attack, while one was critically injured.
Following the MV Golden Leo incident, the MEA had similarly condemned the targeting of civilian merchant vessels and reiterated that non-combatant crew members and commercial shipping should never be attacked.
The ministry had also said the Indian mission in Ukraine was extending all necessary assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
In another related incident reported 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 Indians on board were safe, while information regarding the remaining two was awaited.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Ukraine in India on Monday said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, conveying condolences over the deaths of Indian seafarers amid the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea.
In a statement, the embassy said it extended its “profound sympathy” to the families of the Indian nationals who lost their lives and expressed hope that a conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Ukraine would take place soon to discuss the evolving security situation in the region.
Amid the escalating security concerns, the Government of India has also issued an advisory asking Indian nationals intending to take up employment on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea region to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments.
The MEA advised Indian seafarers to ensure that their employment contracts comply with applicable international maritime standards and urged those requiring assistance to remain in contact with the Embassy of India and Indian consulates in the region.
About the Author
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively …Read More
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