India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues a fresh advisory urging Indian citizens to exercise “utmost caution” before accepting jobs on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea. The advisory points to a heightened and deteriorating security situation linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including ongoing missile and drone attacks that have affected merchant shipping in the region.
The MEA says at least five Indian seafarers have died since April 2026 as a result of incidents tied to the conflict. It also references recent attacks affecting Indian crew members, including an earlier strike involving a merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals at Ukraine’s Port of Odesa, where the status of two crew members is still being verified. The advisory follows other reported incidents in July, including the killing of an Indian seafarer after the merchant vessel MV Omorfi was attacked while transiting the Black Sea.
The MEA advises individuals to assess risks before taking assignments, including verifying vessel routes, security measures, insurance coverage, emergency protocols, and employment terms. It also asks citizens to stay in contact with families, follow maritime safety advisories, and use Indian emergency helplines and missions in the region for assistance.
