India has strongly condemned the recent attacks in the Black Sea region, stating that such incidents pose a serious threat to commercial shipping and endanger the lives of seafarers.
Addressing the media during the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) bi-weekly briefing on Wednesday the 7th of October 2026, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the growing risks to maritime navigation in the region.
“Such attacks threaten commercial shipping and endanger the lives of seafaring communities,” Jaiswal said.
Providing details of recent incidents, he said that the merchant vessel MV Royad Mammadov came under a drone attack while sailing in the Black Sea. Three Indian nationals were on board the vessel at the time of the attack.
According to Jaiswal, all three Indians are safe. However, one crew member sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment in Bulgaria.
He further stated that another vessel, Alfa Watan, a Togo-flagged ship, also came under attack on Tuesday.
Reiterating India’s position, the MEA spokesperson said that New Delhi continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to reducing tensions and restoring peace in the region at the earliest.
India has also intensified diplomatic outreach in an effort to help de-escalate tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, Jaiswal said, adding that New Delhi has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way forward to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On the issue of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military, Jaiswal said India continues to engage with Russian authorities to secure the release and repatriation of the remaining Indians serving with the Russian armed forces.
According to information available with the government, around 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Due to sustained diplomatic efforts by India, 139 individuals have already been discharged and brought back.
The MEA is also pursuing updates from Russian authorities regarding 69 Indian nationals who are still believed to be serving with the Russian army.
Jaiswal once again urged Indian citizens to remain cautious and refrain from accepting offers to join the Russian military.
