India Condemns Black Sea Attacks, Jaishankar Speaks to Ukraine Counterpart

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday, condemning attacks on commercial shipping and Indian seafarers in the Black Sea. In a post on X, Jaishankar described such attacks as 'absolutely unacceptable' and said India condemns them unequivocally, regardless of the party responsible.

The conversation follows a series of incidents in recent weeks where Indian seafarers have been killed or gone missing after vessels came under attack in the Black Sea. On July 18, an Indian seafarer died when a ship was struck while transiting Russian territorial waters. Two days later, four Indian crew members were killed in a missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo off the Ukrainian coast.

India has summoned diplomats from both Russia and Ukraine to convey its strong concern. On July 21, New Delhi called in Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to condemn the attack on the MV Golden Leo. Earlier, on July 18, Ukraine’s Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk was summoned over the attack that killed one Indian seafarer. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted under any circumstances.

During the call, Jaishankar was briefed by Sybiha on recent developments in the Ukraine conflict and peace negotiations. Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy between the parties. He also highlighted the fragility of the international situation, with multiple conflicts impacting fuel, fertilizer, and food security, especially for the Global South.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry later said Sybiha encouraged India to play an ‘active role’ in peace efforts, alleging that Russia’s attacks on civilian vessels undermine freedom of navigation and global food security. Jaishankar and Sybiha agreed to remain in close contact.