India summons Ukraine envoy over Indian seafarer killed in Black Sea attack

India summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk on Monday, July 27, and lodged a strong protest over the killing of an Indian seafarer in an attack on the merchant vessel MV Omorfi in the Black Sea, The Hindu reported.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed New Delhi's serious concern over the incident and condemned attacks on commercial shipping “in the strongest terms,” citing their impact on the safety of maritime navigation, freedom of navigation and international commerce.

The vessel reportedly came under Ukrainian drone strikes amid fresh hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The MEA said Polishchuk was asked to convey India's strong concerns to Ukrainian authorities over the targeting of commercial vessels.

The ministry reiterated that such actions “endanger the lives of innocent civilian seafarers” and said they are unacceptable and must be avoided.