MEA condemns Black Sea attack

India has condemned the attack on commercial vessel MV ROYAD MAMMADOV in the Black Sea that killed two foreign seafarers, with all three Indian nationals among its crew reported safe.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said some crew members, including Indian nationals, were injured in the attack. The injured have been rescued by Romanian authorities and are receiving medical attention. The MEA thanked the Romanian authorities for their swift action.Also read: All three Indians safe after commercial vessel attacked in Black Sea; 2 foreign nationals killedIn its statement, the MEA said India views attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers with grave concern. It said the targeting of traffic in international waterways is "severely undermining global commerce and welfare of people across the world." India continues to call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflicts, it added.Embassy in touch with hospitalThe Embassy of India in Romania said on Monday (local time) that it had learnt of the attack on the vessel. Citing preliminary information, it said there were two casualties, both foreign nationals, and that some crew members were undergoing treatment in Romania. It added that three Indian nationals were among the crew.The embassy later confirmed that all three Indians were safe. One of them was injured and receiving medical attention, it said, adding that it was in close touch with hospital authorities and extending all possible support to the Indian crew members.Indian Ambassador to Romania Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the three Indian nationals at Constanța County Hospital. He also spoke with the hospital's Chief Physician, who confirmed that all three are in good health and receiving the necessary care. The Ambassador assured them of all possible assistance and support, the embassy said.The mission said it was in close contact with the relevant authorities to ascertain further details of the attack and the welfare of the Indian crew.In September 2026, India and Liberia launched a 25-nation "Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers" at the UN General Assembly. The group aims to ensure the safety and security of merchant crews and commercial shipping against targeted attacks, the MEA said.The attack comes amid heightened security risks across key maritime corridors, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has faced recurring attacks. India has consistently raised concerns over threats to commercial vessels and the safety of seafarers.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue in his address at the 81st UN General Assembly. "There have been attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea. Indian seafarers have lost their lives, as have others from other nations. This is completely unacceptable," he told the assembly.Also read: India cannot take a 'black and white view' of major power ties, says Jaishankar; calls US a key strategic partnerJaishankar said India had joined Liberia and 23 partner nations in an international coalition to mobilise global public opinion and defend commercial shipping routes. "We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour," he said.He also called for immediate restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and global trade.