India on Friday condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea that killed an Indian crew member, calling such incidents a serious threat to maritime navigation and global trade.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the ship was attacked on July 18 while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. The vessel had 10 crew members on board, including three Indian nationals.
"​It has come to our attention that on 18 July 2026, the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. At the time of the incident, there were ten crew members on board, including three Indian nationals."
"As per available information, one Indian national tragically lost his life in the attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. The other two Indian nationals on board are reported to be safe," the ministry added.
The incident has been reported after four Indian sailors were killed in a Russian strike on a commercial vessel in Ukraine last week.
India's Mission in Russia is in touch with the relevant authorities and is extending all possible assistance to the deceased's family.
"On receiving this information, our Mission in Russia has reached out to the relevant authorities and is making efforts to extend all possible assistance to the affected family," the ministry added.
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Condemning attacks on commercial shipping, the government noted that such incidents endanger innocent civilian crew members and pose growing risks to the freedom of navigation and international commerce.
It also urged all parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
"India unequivocally condemns such attacks targeting commercial shipping and placing the lives of innocent civilian crew members at risk," MEA said.
"It is a matter of serious concern that the freedom of navigation and international commerce is facing increasing threats."
" India calls upon all concerned parties to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce," the statement concluded.
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