India Seeks End To Attacks On Ships In Black Sea
India condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea after Indian crew members were affected and called for safe navigation and diplomacy.
India on Wednesday condemned a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea after Indian crew members were caught up in incidents involving several ships.
New Delhi said seven of the 18 crew members aboard the Palau-flagged Able were Indians and one of them was injured.
With assistance from Bulgarian authorities, the crew were evacuated to Varna and the injured Indian was receiving medical treatment.
All 23 crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio were Indian nationals and had been rescued, the government said.
India was awaiting information on the crew of the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping remain a cause of deep concern for India,” the external affairs ministry said, calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also referred to an attack on the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea on Tuesday.
Three Indians were on board, of whom one was injured and subsequently received medical treatment. The Indian embassy in Romania was in touch with them, he said.
Jaiswal called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and restore free and unimpeded navigation and commerce in international waterways.