Jaishankar calls attacks on Indian seafarers 'absolutely unacceptable' in Ukraine FM talks
Synopsis
India has sharply escalated its diplomatic response to the Ukraine conflict — not over territory or alliances, but over its own citizens. With an Indian national dead after the MV OMORFI attack and 13 seafarers stranded under fire at Chornomorsk, New Delhi summoned Kyiv's ambassador and EAM Jaishankar personally raised the issue with Ukraine's FM, signalling that India's neutrality has limits when civilian lives are at stake.
Key Takeaways
EAM S Jaishankar spoke with Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha on 30 July over attacks on Indian seafarers in the Black Sea .
At least 13 Indian seafarers are among 15 crew members stranded at Chornomorsk port amid ongoing drone and missile strikes.
The MEA summoned Ukraine's Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk over the attack on MV OMORFI , which killed one Indian national.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine confirmed it has attached the 'highest priority' to the seafarers' situation.
Jaishankar flagged the broader impact of global conflicts on fuel, fertiliser, and food security for the Global South .
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, 30 July held a telephonic discussion with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, raising India's serious concerns over attacks on Indian seafarers and commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Jaishankar described such attacks as 'absolutely unacceptable' and said India condemns them 'unequivocally.'
What Jaishankar Said
'Glad to connect again with FM Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine, after our respective travels. Discussed attacks on commercial shipping and Indian seafarers in the Black Sea. Such attacks by any party are absolutely unacceptable, and India condemns them unequivocally,' Jaishankar posted on X.
He added that he was briefed on recent developments in the Ukraine conflict and ongoing peace negotiations, reiterating that India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy between all parties concerned.
The Seafarers Stranded at Chornomorsk
The immediate trigger for the diplomatic outreach is the plight of at least 13 Indian seafarers among the 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port, as drone and missile attacks continue in the vicinity of the strategic Black Sea harbour. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) first brought the situation to wider attention.
The Indian Embassy in Ukraine confirmed on Wednesday that it is 'constantly monitoring' the situation and has attached the 'highest priority' to the incident. Embassy officials said they are in direct contact with the relevant Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety of all Indian crew members.
India Summons Ukraine's Ambassador
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, over the attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI, which resulted in the death of an Indian national. The MEA conveyed India's 'serious concern' and condemned the targeting of commercial shipping in the 'strongest terms.'
The Ambassador was formally requested to relay India's concerns to Kyiv, with the MEA underscoring that attacks endangering the lives of civilian seafarers are 'unacceptable and must be avoided.' This marks one of the sharpest formal diplomatic protests India has lodged with Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022.
Broader Context: Global South and Maritime Security
Jaishankar also raised the wider geopolitical picture, noting the 'fragility of the current international situation' with multiple conflicts across different geographies. He highlighted their cascading impact on fuel, fertiliser, and food security — concerns that fall disproportionately on Global South nations. 'Agreed to remain in touch,' he noted.
This comes amid growing international alarm over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, a critical corridor for grain and energy exports. India's escalating diplomatic pressure signals that New Delhi will not remain a passive observer when its citizens are directly endangered by the conflict.
Point of View
Summoning Ukraine's ambassador and having the EAM personally condemn the attacks marks a meaningful shift in posture. The deeper signal: India's non-alignment has a floor, and that floor is the safety of its citizens. Whether Kyiv can or will restrain strikes near commercial shipping lanes — given the active war — remains the harder question that diplomacy alone cannot answer.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did EAM Jaishankar speak with Ukraine's Foreign Minister?
Jaishankar spoke with Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha on 30 July to raise India's serious concerns over attacks on Indian seafarers and commercial shipping in the Black Sea. He described such attacks as 'absolutely unacceptable' and said India condemns them unequivocally.
Who are the Indian seafarers stranded at Chornomorsk?
At least 13 Indian nationals are among the 15 crew members stranded aboard a cargo vessel at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI). They are stranded as drone and missile strikes continue near the Black Sea harbour.
What happened to the MV OMORFI?
The commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked in the Black Sea, resulting in the death of an Indian national. The MEA summoned Ukraine's Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk over the incident and conveyed India's serious concern in the strongest terms.
What action has the Indian government taken so far?
The MEA summoned Ukraine's ambassador, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said it is monitoring the situation as the 'highest priority,' and EAM Jaishankar personally raised the issue with Ukraine's FM. India has called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian commercial shipping.
How does this fit into India's broader position on the Ukraine conflict?
India has maintained strategic neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine war, consistently calling for dialogue and diplomacy. However, the deaths and endangerment of Indian citizens have prompted New Delhi to issue its sharpest formal protests to Kyiv, signalling that civilian safety is a red line for India's non-aligned stance.
