India has taken a stern stand following the tragic death of Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta in an attack on a commercial vessel in the Black Sea. The central government has summoned the Ukrainian envoy to lodge a strong protest over the incident. This move comes as international merchant ships in the Black Sea continue to come under fire amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of Indian sailors working in the region.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the commercial ship MV OMORFI was transiting through the Black Sea on July 18, 2026. The vessel was reportedly passing through Russian maritime waters when the attack took place.
A total of 10 crew members were aboard the ship, including three Indian nationals. While Indian seafarer Sagar Gupta lost his life in the strike, the other two Indian crew members are reported to be safe.
Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs released a statement calling attacks on merchant ships targeting innocent civilian crew completely unacceptable. The ministry stated that ensuring the security of international sea lanes and the unhindered flow of global trade is the responsibility of all parties involved. India has appealed to all nations engaged in the conflict to honor their international obligations and guarantee the safety of maritime navigation.
Why the Ukrainian Envoy Was Summoned
In the wake of Sagar Gupta's death, India summoned the Ukrainian diplomat to register deep concern and a strong protest over the development. The action underscores that amid persistent attacks in the Black Sea, India is unwilling to show any laxity when it comes to the safety of its citizens.
Meanwhile, Ukraine expressed deep condolences to the families of Indian seafarers who lost their lives amid the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian embassy noted that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had already sent a letter of condolence to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Ukraine expressed hope that talks between the foreign ministers of both nations would take place soon to discuss the prevailing security situation in the Black Sea in detail.
This is not an isolated incident. Previously, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel named MV Golden Leo was also targeted in an attack. That ship carried 17 crew members, including five Indians. Four Indian nationals died in that assault, while another sustained serious injuries.
More recently, another merchant ship fell victim to an attack at the port of Odessa with four Indians onboard. According to the Indian embassy, two of them are safe, while information regarding the remaining two is currently being gathered.
The Embassy of Ukraine in India also expressed grief over the death of the Indian sailors. The embassy reiterated that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to convey deep sympathies over the loss of Indian lives, while anticipating an upcoming ministerial dialogue on regional maritime security.
In view of escalating threats, the Indian government has issued an advisory for Indian citizens seeking employment on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea region. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised individuals to carefully assess security risks before accepting employment offers and to ensure that their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards. Citizens have also been advised to remain in touch with the Indian embassy and relevant consulates.
