New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India has responded after a Russian drone attack on a civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea left at least two people dead and several others injured, including an Indian crew member.
The Turkish-owned cargo ship MV Royad Mammadov came under attack while sailing outside Romania’s territorial waters, according to preliminary information. The strike reportedly triggered a fire on board the vessel.
Three Indian nationals were among the ship’s crew, the Indian Embassy in Romania said. One of them was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The embassy said it was immediately in contact with Romanian authorities and other agencies to establish the condition of the Indian nationals and provide assistance.
Indian Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra also spoke with the three Indian crew members receiving medical care at Constanta County Hospital. Hospital authorities subsequently confirmed that they were in stable condition and receiving the required treatment.
The Indian diplomatic mission said it would continue monitoring the situation and remain in contact with medical officials while extending assistance to the affected seafarers.
India condemns attack on civilian shipping
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticised attacks against commercial vessels, describing such incidents as unacceptable.
Jaishankar said attacks on civilian shipping, whether in the Black Sea or other strategic maritime regions, pose a serious concern. He reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred route for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He also pointed to India’s recent engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv as part of its efforts to encourage a path towards resolving the conflict.
Two reported dead after strike
The identities of those killed in the attack have not been fully established. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the vessel was carrying Azerbaijani and Indian nationals and reported that the ship’s captain had died.
Zelensky also said the fate of another crew member was initially unclear. Eleven people were subsequently rescued from the vessel, with one reported to have suffered injuries.
The incident has added to concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating through the Black Sea, a major maritime route connecting important trading and agricultural markets.
Black Sea shipping faces growing risks
Commercial shipping in the region has increasingly faced security threats as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Attacks involving ports, ships and maritime infrastructure have raised concerns over the safety of crews and the movement of essential goods.
The latest incident comes shortly after another deadly strike in Ukraine involving an Indian connection. A 52-year-old employee of a pharmaceutical warehouse owned by Indian interests was killed in a Russian attack in the Sumy region.
For India, the latest attack has again highlighted the risks faced by its nationals working in areas affected by the conflict. New Delhi is continuing to monitor the condition of the injured sailor and maintain contact with Romanian authorities as more details about the Black Sea incident emerge.
