Why is Russia attacking ships in Odessa? | Explained
The Indian government has issued an advisory for seafarers in the Black Sea due to escalating risks from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recent attacks on commercial vessels have resulted in the deaths of several Indian sailors, prompting calls for increased caution and better safety protocols.
Why it matters
The advisory highlights the direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global supply chains and the safety of international maritime workers.
On July 26, 2026, the External Affairs Ministry issued an advisory for Indian seafarers joining commercial vessels in the Black Sea region. The Ministry said the security situation in the area “remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict”. It was referring to the four-year-old Russian war on Ukraine.
The Ministry said merchant ships in these waters are “facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks” and since April 2026, the number of such attacks has gone up leading to “the tragic loss of five Indian lives.” It advised Indian seafarers “to carefully assess” the security risks before accepting assignments.
Urging sailors to “exercise the utmost caution”, the Ministry said they must procure “comprehensive information” from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel’s route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures.
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