The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals planning to take employment on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea region to carefully evaluate security risks before accepting such assignments, reported the IANS.
The advisory was issued amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region, where ongoing conflict has increased threats to maritime operations.
The MEA said that the security situation in and around the Black Sea and nearby maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the continuing conflict, the news agency reported.
Commercial vessels travelling through these waters face serious risks, including missile and drone attacks. The ministry noted that there has been an increase in such incidents since April 2026, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals.
The MEA urged Indian citizens who decide to work on vessels in the region to exercise extreme caution and remain aware of the possible dangers involved.
Workers advised to verify details before joining vessels
The ministry asked prospective employees to obtain complete information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators before accepting assignments.
According to the IANS, Indians planning to work on such vessels have been advised to check the vessel’s planned route and ports of call.
Security arrangements available on board, insurance coverage, emergency response procedures, medical assistance and evacuation facilities, repatriation and compensation provisions.
The MEA also stressed that employment contracts should follow applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate protection for crew members, as per the IANS.
Citizens urged have also been asked to follow safety instructions issued by vessel operators and to stay connected and follow safety guidelines
The ministry advised Indian nationals working on commercial vessels to keep their families informed about their travel plans and maintain regular communication.
They have also been asked to follow safety instructions issued by vessel operators and maritime authorities, and regularly monitor advisories from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and other government agencies, reported the IANS.
The MEA specifically referred to the security advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on July 23, 2026.
Recent attacks on commercial vessels raise concerns
The advisory follows recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that affected Indian crew members.
The MEA recently confirmed that an Indian national was killed after the commercial vessel MV OMORFI came under attack on July 18 while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters.
The vessel had 10 crew members onboard, including three Indians.
According to the ministry, one Indian crew member lost his life, while the other two were reported safe.
The Indian mission in Russia has contacted relevant authorities and is providing assistance to the affected family.
India condemns attacks on civilian shipping
The MEA condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crew members.
The ministry said that threats to maritime safety and freedom of navigation are a serious concern and called on all parties involved to respect international obligations to ensure safe maritime movement and uninterrupted global trade.
Earlier in the same week, four Indian nationals were killed in an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leopard, which was departing from Odesa port in Ukraine.
The latest advisory highlights India’s growing concern over the safety of Indian seafarers working in conflict-affected maritime regions.
(with IANS inputs)
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