Ukraine War Row: Horrific missile attack on merchant ship in the Black Sea, painful death of 4 Indian sailors; India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed strong objection


The scope of the long-running war between Russia and Ukraine is now becoming dangerous and extremely worrying for the whole world. The sudden missile attack on a commercial vessel patrolling near Odessa port of Ukraine in the Black Sea has given a deep shock to India. In this horrific attack, 4 Indian sailors on board the ship have died tragically, while many other crew members are said to be seriously injured. From a reporter’s perspective, the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have taken a strong stance on this deadly incident of innocent Indian citizens.

Strict statement from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Demand for impartial investigation

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow and strong objection to this incident:

  • Strong condemnation: The Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that targeting innocent civilians and cargo ships in international waters and commercial shipping lanes is a serious violation of international laws.

  • Demand for international investigation: India has demanded a complete impartial investigation into the matter and legal and diplomatic pressure on the parties responsible for the attack, so that the safety of merchant ships can be ensured in future.

Embassy on alert, efforts to bring mortal remains to India begin

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassies in Ukraine and Poland are in constant touch with the local authorities and the shipping company:

  • Identification of the dead: The families of the four killed Indian sailors are being informed and the process of their identification is being completed.

  • Body return: The Indian Embassy team is engaged in paperwork and diplomatic action to provide immediate better treatment to the injured and to bring back the mortal remains of the deceased sailors to India with dignity as soon as possible.

Threat of maritime trade increases in Black Sea

The sea route to Odessa and the Black Sea is considered vital for global grain and fuel supplies amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict. After this latest missile attack, there is an atmosphere of panic among the crews of merchant ships. Maritime security agencies have raised the alert level for all ships passing through this route. Experts believe that these continuous attacks on merchant ships may have a worse impact on the global supply chain.