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India Condemns Black Sea Attack on Commercial Vessel That Killed Indian Seafarer in Latest Maritime Incident

Official Response to Tragic Maritime Assault

India has issued a formal condemnation following a significant maritime incident in the Black Sea region where a commercial vessel was struck, resulting in the death of an Indian seafarer. The external affairs ministry in New Delhi expressed deep concern over the attack on the Marshall Islands-registered MV Omorfi, which occurred within Russian maritime boundaries on July 18. This latest incident has prompted India to emphasize the critical importance of upholding international commitments to protect vital sea routes and ensure the continuity of global trade operations.

The assault on the bulk carrier came as a shock to the maritime community, with officials confirming that the vessel was navigating through what is believed to be Russian territorial waters at the time of the attack. The MV Omorfi was carrying ten crew members during the incident, three of whom held Indian nationality. The timing of this attack has raised serious questions about the safety of commercial shipping in conflict-affected regions.

As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack…The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe.

Recent Pattern of Maritime Incidents

This maritime assault arrived just twenty-four hours after a separate Russian strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, which claimed ten lives, including four Indian seafarers. While the ministry’s official communication did not explicitly identify the aggressor in the Omorfi case, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India shared crucial details on social media platforms indicating that a Ukrainian drone was responsible for the attack. The union subsequently named the deceased sailor as Sagar Gupta, who served as the vessel’s chief officer and was a valued member of the crew.

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.

Alongside expressing its strong condemnation, New Delhi has urged all involved stakeholders to honor their international responsibilities. The primary goal is to safeguard maritime travel and maintain steady global commercial operations without further disruption. Indian diplomatic representatives stationed in Russia have initiated immediate contact with appropriate local authorities to address the situation comprehensively.

They are currently working diligently to provide comprehensive support to the bereaved family of the fallen sailor aboard the Omorfi. This diplomatic effort demonstrates India’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring that their concerns are heard at the highest levels of international relations.

Broader Context of Rising Maritime Casualties

The death toll of Indian sailors connected to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has now reached five individuals, marking a significant increase in maritime casualties. Additionally, recent weeks have witnessed more than six Indian seafarers perish during Iranian and American strikes on merchant ships operating in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. In response to these multiple incidents, the external affairs ministry has called meetings with senior diplomatic representatives from Iran, Russia, and the United States to register formal protests and seek assurances for the safety of Indian nationals.

Earlier on the same day, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Russian assertions that the Golden Leo vessel was transporting weapons during the attack. According to data from India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration, the ship had loaded grain cargo prior to leaving Odesa port on July 19, confirming its commercial nature and the innocence of those aboard.

We once again reiterate that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances.

Jaiswal noted that external affairs minister S Jaishankar has consistently communicated this stance during recent international engagements, including the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum gatherings held in the Philippines, as well as in discussions with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. These diplomatic efforts underscore India’s determination to protect its maritime interests and ensure that commercial vessels and their crews are not caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts.

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