New Delhi raises maritime-safety concerns after strike on merchant vessel MV Omorfi
NEW DELHI, July 28, 2026: India has formally raised concerns with Ukraine following an attack on the commercial vessel MV Omorfi that killed an Indian seafarer in the Black Sea.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs on July 27. Indian officials conveyed their concern over the targeting of commercial shipping and asked the ambassador to communicate New Delhi’s position to Ukrainian authorities.
The MV Omorfi was attacked on July 18 while travelling through the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. According to the External Affairs Ministry, the vessel carried 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals. One Indian crew member died, while the other two were reported safe.
The Indian mission in Russia has contacted the relevant authorities and is assisting the deceased seafarer’s family.
India said attacks on civilian merchant vessels endanger seafarers and pose broader risks to maritime navigation and international commerce. The government called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect their international responsibilities and protect commercial shipping.
The incident is separate from the July 19 attack on the Golden Leo near Ukraine’s Odesa region. Four Indian seafarers were killed in that strike, prompting India to raise the matter with Russia. Five Indian sailors have consequently died in separate Black Sea attacks since July 18.
The latest diplomatic intervention highlights the increasing dangers faced by Indian merchant-marine personnel working along conflict-affected shipping routes. India is one of the world’s leading suppliers of trained seafarers, making the security of commercial navigation a significant concern for thousands of Indian families.
