Embassy keeps an eye on the safety of 13 Indian sailors stranded in Ukraine, Indian government’s big statement amid missile attacks in the Black Sea
Kiev. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said it is closely monitoring the security situation of 13 Indian sailors aboard a commercial vessel off the Black Sea coast. There were reports that the ship was under constant threat of drone and missile attacks. The embassy said it is in constant touch with all concerned authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian crew aboard the MV Amir-1 vessel. Earlier on July 25, Ukraine
Attack on MV AGN Ragnar vessel
The commercial vessel MV AGN Ragnar was attacked in the port of Odessa. There were four Indian crew members on board the ship at that time. Two of these Indian sailors are still missing and India is carrying out a search operation in collaboration with Ukrainian authorities. “The situation regarding the presence of Indian sailors on MV Amir-1 has been brought to our notice,” the Indian Embassy in Kiev said in a post on social media platform ‘X’. We are giving this the highest priority and are in constant touch with all concerned to ensure the safety of all Indians on board the ship.
The embassy’s statement came following an appeal by the Indian Seafarers Union (FSUI), in which it had requested the government and other concerned authorities to ensure the immediate safety of the crew and make arrangements for their evacuation. According to FSUI, MV Amir-1 is currently berthed at Chornomorsk port in Ukraine and has 15 crew members on board, including 13 Indians.
Attacks intensified with drones and missiles
The Indian Seamen’s Union alleged that there are continuous drone and missile attacks around the ship, leaving the crew members in fear due to the possibility of a direct attack at any time. “We appeal to all concerned authorities, ship owners, flag state and Government of India to immediately ensure their safety and make arrangements for their repatriation at the earliest,” FSUI said. Indian sailors should not be allowed to become easy targets in conflict areas.
Foreign Ministry in contact with Ukrainian authorities
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said on Tuesday that India is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities to search for the two missing Indian crew members of MV AGN Ragnar and is in touch with their families. He reiterated that India has consistently stressed that commercial vessels, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted under any circumstances. He also reiterated his appeal to adopt the path of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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