Attacks on commercial vessels, Indian seafarers ‘absolutely unacceptable’, Jaishankar tells Ukraine’s Sybiha
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has condemned the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that resulted in the deaths of Indian seafarers. India is demanding accountability as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict increasingly threatens the safety of global maritime workers.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on global supply chains and the safety of international merchant sailors.
Attacks on commercial vessels and Indian seafarers are “absolutely unacceptable”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday (July 30, 2026), after a round of telephone discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The conversation was held against the backdrop of continued attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea and nearby regions by both Ukraine and Russia, which have led to fatalities and injuries to several Indian seafarers over the past fortnight.
“Discussed attacks on commercial shipping and Indian seafarers in the Black Sea. Such attacks by any party are absolutely unacceptable and India condemns them unequivocally,” Mr. Jaishankar said.
Mr. Sybiha has pointed to Russia for the escalation of attacks in the Black Sea and adjoining areas, which have emerged as the maritime front of the Russia-Ukraine war.
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