West Asia Conflict / India Condemns Black Sea Vessel Attack, Three Indians Safe

New Delhi, Oct 6: A deadly strike on the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea has jolted global shipping lanes, prompting India’s Ministry of External Affairs to issue a sharp condemnation after two foreign seafarers were killed and three Indian crew members injured.

“We condemn the attack on MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea, in which two foreign seafarers were killed and some members of the crew, including Indian nationals injured. The injured have been rescued by Romanian authorities and are receiving medical attention. The three Indian nationals, who were part crew of the ship, are safe. We thank Romanian authorities for their swift action in this incident,” the MEA said in an official statement.

The ministry expressed grave concern over the targeting of commercial shipping. “India views these attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers with grave concern. The targeting of traffic in international waterways is severely undermining global commerce and the welfare of people across the world. We continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts,” it added.

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The Indian Embassy in Romania confirmed that all three Indian nationals were among the crew. “All three Indian nationals are safe. We have spoken to them. One of them has been injured and is receiving medical attention. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities. We are extending all possible support for the welfare and well-being of the Indian crew members,” the Embassy posted on X.

Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra personally visited Constanța County Hospital, where the injured Indians were being treated. “Amb. Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanța County Hospital. He also spoke with the hospital’s Chief Physician, who confirmed that all three are in good health and receiving necessary care. The Ambassador assured them of all possible assistance and support,” the Embassy noted.

Earlier, the mission had stated it was in close contact with relevant authorities to ascertain details regarding the safety of Indian nationals aboard the vessel.

The incident comes weeks after India and Liberia launched a 25‑nation “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers” at the UN General Assembly in September 2026, aimed at safeguarding merchant crews and commercial shipping against targeted attacks.

(IANS)