India Summons Ukraine Envoy After Attack on Ship Carrying Four Indians
India summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador on Monday following an attack on a merchant vessel that had four Indian nationals on board, as concerns grow over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea region.
The MV AGN Ragnar was struck while docked at the port of Odesa over the weekend. According to the Indian Embassy in Kyiv, two of the four Indian sailors have been located and are safe. Efforts to locate the remaining two are ongoing.
This incident adds to a rising toll of Indian casualties in the conflict zone. Since July 18, five Indian seafarers have been killed in attacks in the Black Sea region. The latest attack has prompted New Delhi to intensify diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety of its citizens.
On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to carefully assess security risks before accepting employment on commercial vessels operating in conflict-affected waters. The advisory emphasizes the volatile situation in the Black Sea and surrounding areas.
The Indian government has not disclosed details of the summons or the specific demands made to the Ukrainian envoy. However, diplomatic sources indicate that New Delhi is seeking assurances of safety for Indian nationals and clearer protocols for emergencies in the region.
Ukraine has not officially commented on the summons. The attack on the MV AGN Ragnar is part of a broader pattern of maritime incidents in the Black Sea since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Several vessels have been hit, endangering crew members from various countries.
India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. However, the safety of its citizens remains a top priority, leading to direct diplomatic interventions when necessary.
The Indian Embassy in Kyiv remains in contact with local authorities and is providing assistance to the families of the affected sailors. The search for the missing two continues.
