New Delhi, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, over an attack on commercial vessel MV OMORFI that resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer.
The MEA conveyed its serious concern over the incident and strongly condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping, stating that such actions pose a threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and international trade.
In a statement, the ministry said the Ukrainian envoy was asked to convey India’s concerns to the authorities in Kyiv regarding the targeting of commercial vessels and stressed that actions endangering the lives of civilian seafarers were “unacceptable and must be avoided”.
The development follows an attack on MV OMORFI while the vessel was transiting the Black Sea. According to the MEA, the incident took place on July 18, 2026, when the vessel was reportedly travelling through Russian territorial waters. At the time, the ship had 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
The ministry had earlier said that one Indian national lost his life in the attack, while the other two Indian crew members were reported safe. It expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said search and rescue operations were underway after another commercial vessel, MV GN Ragnar, was struck at the Port of Odesa on July 25. Four Indian nationals were on board the vessel, with two confirmed safe and information awaited about the remaining two.
The embassy said it was in continuous contact with the concerned authorities and was monitoring the situation.
India has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on commercial shipping and called upon all parties involved to respect international obligations related to maritime security and ensure the uninterrupted movement of global commerce.
Earlier, the MEA had also reported the deaths of four Indian nationals in an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leopard departing from Odesa port. Five Indian nationals were among the 17 crew members onboard, with four reported killed and one hospitalised in critical condition.
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