India has condemned a Russian drone strike on a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea, calling the attack on commercial shipping “completely unacceptable”. At least two crew members were killed and several others were injured after the strike triggered a fire on the vessel outside Romania’s territorial waters.
The Indian Embassy in Romania said three Indian nationals were among the crew and one of them was injured and receiving medical treatment.
“We have learnt of an attack today on commercial vessel MV ROYAD MAMMADOV in the Black Sea. As per preliminary information, there have been two casualties (foreign nationals) while some crew members have been injured and are undergoing medical treatment in Romania. It is further reported that there are three Indian nationals among the crew members,” the embassy said in a post on X.
The mission said it was coordinating with the relevant authorities to establish more details about the incident and the condition of the Indian crew.
Indian sailors receiving medical care
Indian Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra spoke to the three Indian nationals and later to the chief physician at Constanta County Hospital.
“Amb @manojifs spoke with the three Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanta County Hospital. He also spoke with the hospital's chief physician, who confirmed that all three are in good health and receiving necessary care. The ambassador assured them of all possible assistance and support,” the mission said.
The embassy said it remains in contact with hospital authorities and is providing assistance to the injured seafarer and other Indian crew members.
Jaishankar calls attack unacceptable
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar criticised the attack and said India continues to push for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Attack on civilian shipping, from the Black Sea to the Gulf region, is completely unacceptable. The UN is gridlocked, and few countries are resisting its reforms. We maintain that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar said.
Two crew members killed
The nationalities of the two people killed in the strike have not been confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Azerbaijani and Indian nationals were among those aboard the vessel.
“As of now, unfortunately, we know that the ship's captain was killed. My condolences. The fate of one other person is still being established,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that 11 crew members were rescued, with one injured.
The latest incident comes amid growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where attacks on vessels and port infrastructure have disrupted a key international trade route. On Sunday, a 52-year-old employee of a pharmaceutical warehouse owned by Indian interests was killed in a Russian strike in Ukraine’s Sumy region.