India has condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region and expressed concern over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.
Briefing the media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks threaten commercial shipping and endanger the lives of the seafaring community. He reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and help bring an early end to ongoing conflicts.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
India condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Three Indian nationals were aboard MV Royad Mammadov; all were safe, with one injured.
Alfa Watan was attacked, with the crew's status initially unclear.
All 18 crew members of MV Able were rescued, including seven Indians.
Aframax Rio also came under attack and its crew was rescued.
India reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy.
Jaiswal said the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov came under attack while sailing in the Black Sea. Three Indian nationals were among its crew. All three were safe, while one was injured and received medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Romania later said the three were in stable condition, with one undergoing treatment at a hospital in Constanta.
The Togo-flagged Alfa Watan was also attacked on October 6. According to the MEA, the status of its crew was not immediately known. The Palau-flagged MV Able was targeted in another attack. All 18 members of its crew, including seven Indian nationals, were rescued, with one Indian national injured.
A fourth vessel, the Liberian-flagged Aframax Rio, an oil tanker, also came under attack. Its crew members were rescued after the vessel caught fire.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The attacks have increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and civilian seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters. The incidents have also highlighted the risks faced by Indian maritime workers.
India has reiterated that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers pose a serious threat to international commerce and the safety of civilian crews. New Delhi has again called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
