Supreme Court directs MEA to trace Indian seafarer missing after Black Sea drone attack
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Ministry of External Affairs to assist in locating an Indian seafarer missing after a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea. The court intervened after the family reported a lack of response from government authorities.
Why it matters
This case underscores the legal and diplomatic responsibilities of the state in protecting citizens working in high-risk international maritime zones.
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 3, 2026) asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to use its diplomatic channel and trace a seafarer missing after his cargo ship was struck by drones on July 25 in the Black Sea.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instruction from the Indian Embassy in Ukraine and Embassy of India, Bucharest, Romania and enquire about the whereabouts of Deepak Kumar Gupta, who was onboard cargo ship, MV AGN Ragnar.
The matter is listed for hearing on Friday (August 7, 2026).
The Supreme Court was hearing a plea by Sandeep Kumar Gupta, elder brother of the missing seafarer, seeking directions to the MEA to coordinate with Indian embassies in Ukraine and Romania to undertake search and rescue operations.
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