India Condemns Black Sea Ship Attacks; Indian Seafarers Injured

NEW DELHI — India has strongly condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that put Indian seafarers at risk, calling for an immediate end to attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also urged de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to restore safe and unimpeded navigation through international waterways.

The attacks involved four commercial vessels — the MV Royad Mammadov, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, the Palau-flagged Able and the Liberia-flagged Aframax Rio. Three Indian nationals were aboard the Royad Mammadov. All three were rescued, with one Indian seafarer injured and receiving medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Romania has been in contact with the affected crew and local authorities.

The Alfa Watan, which came under attack in waters off Bulgaria, sank after sustaining severe damage. Bulgarian authorities later called off the search for its crew after finding no survivors. The Palau-flagged Able was also attacked and caught fire, but all 18 crew members, including seven Indian nationals, were rescued with the assistance of Bulgarian authorities and taken to Varna. One Indian seafarer was injured and is receiving medical treatment.

The fourth vessel, the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio, was also attacked in the Black Sea region. All 23 members of its crew were Indian nationals and all were safely rescued, according to the MEA.

India said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping are a matter of deep concern and stressed that the targeting of commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end. New Delhi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to reduce tensions and enable the early return of peace and stability in the region.