Kyiv, July 29 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said the safety and security of Indian seafarers aboard MV AMIR1 remains its “highest priority” as it continues to monitor the situation involving the vessel.
In a post on X, the embassy said it is in constant contact with all relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of the Indian nationals on board.
“A situation regarding MV AMIR1 with Indian seafarers onboard has been brought to our attention. We attach the highest priority to this and are in constant touch with all concerned to ensure the safety and security of all Indians onboard,” the Embassy of India in Ukraine said.
The embassy did not disclose the nature of the situation involving the vessel or specify the number of Indian seafarers on board.
The development follows remarks made Tuesday by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to a question about the number of Indian seafarers operating in or transiting the Black Sea region, where recent attacks on commercial vessels have resulted in the deaths of Indian nationals.
Jaiswal noted that India has one of the world’s largest seafaring communities, with many serving on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels.
“We have the second-largest seafaring community. A lot of them are on Indian vessels, and many are also on foreign vessels. As to the exact number of Indian seafarers serving on ships in and around the Black Sea, I don’t have the figure with me right now,” he said.
Addressing recent attacks on ships carrying Indian seafarers in the Black Sea and discussions with Russia and Ukraine on the issue, Jaiswal reiterated India’s position that commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted.
“We have been very clear in conveying to our partners, friends, and others that under no circumstances should commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, or civilian infrastructure be attacked. Such attacks must be avoided, and we have condemned the recent attacks in the Black Sea region,” Jaiswal said.
On Monday, the MEA summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and conveyed New Delhi’s “serious concern” over the recent attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea, which resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said merchant vessel MV Ragnar, carrying four Indian nationals, was struck at the port of Odesa. Two crew members have been reported safe, while information on the remaining two was still being awaited. (ANI)
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