India summons Ukrainian ambassador after merchant vessel with Indian crew attacked at Odesa port
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, following an attack on a merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members at Ukraine’s Port of Odesa.
The diplomatic move comes after MV AGN Ragnar, which had four Indian crew members on board, was struck while docked at the strategically important Black Sea port on Saturday.
MV AGN Ragnar here at Odesa port
According to the Indian Embassy in Kyiv, the vessel was attacked at the Port of Odesa, one of Ukraine’s busiest Black Sea ports that has witnessed repeated attacks since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.
While authorities have confirmed that four Indian nationals were on board the ship, further details regarding their condition have not yet been officially disclosed.
Second incident involving Indian seafarers within days
The latest attack comes only days after another tragic incident involving the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo, in which four Indian seafarers lost their lives during a Russian strike in the Black Sea.
Following that attack, the MEA had summoned Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov, as the Russian Ambassador was away from New Delhi, to convey India’s serious concerns over the deaths of Indian crew members.
India steps up diplomatic engagement
With attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea increasing, India has intensified its diplomatic outreach by engaging both Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
The latest summons to the Ukrainian ambassador underscores New Delhi’s concern over the safety of Indian seafarers working on merchant ships operating in conflict-affected waters.
Earlier, the MEA also issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to carefully assess the security risks before accepting employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea region.
Black Sea remains a high-risk maritime zone
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly increased risks for commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Merchant vessels continue to face threats from missile and drone attacks despite carrying civilian cargo and multinational crews.
India has repeatedly emphasised the need to ensure the safety of its citizens employed in international maritime operations.
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