NEW DELHI — An Indian national was killed in a missile or drone strike on a commercial vessel navigating the Black Sea, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday, underscoring the growing perils facing civilian seafarers in the region.
The vessel, identified as the MV OMORFI, came under fire on July 18 while transiting waters reportedly within Russian territorial jurisdiction. According to diplomatic officials, the ship carried a 10-member crew at the time of the strike, including three Indian citizens.
While two of the Indian crew members survived the attack unharmed, one Indian national tragically lost his life.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased," the MEA stated in an official release shared by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. "The Indian mission in Russia has reached out to the relevant authorities and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to the affected family."
New Delhi issued a firm condemnation of the strike, raising grave concerns over the safety of global shipping lanes and maritime workers caught in the fallout of regional hostilities.
"India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk," the Ministry added. "It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats. India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global commerce."
The tragic incident comes amid escalating dangers for merchant vessels in Black Sea shipping corridors. Just one day after the MV OMORFI incident, four Indian seafarers were among ten people killed when the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo was struck off the coast of Odesa, Ukraine, on July 19.
In response to the fatal strike on the MV Golden Leo, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Russian Chargé d'affaires in New Delhi earlier this week to register strong diplomatic protests and demand answers over the loss of Indian lives.
