India Demands Halt to Attacks on Commercial Shipping Following New Injuries to Seafarers
NEW DELHI: The Indian government has issued a stern condemnation regarding the escalating violence against merchant vessels in the Black Sea, following reports that two additional Indian seafarers have sustained injuries in recent strikes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure and commercial crew members as unacceptable, calling for an urgent de-escalation to restore stability in the region.
The latest incidents have further heightened concerns in New Delhi, which has been actively engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv to secure the safety of maritime trade routes.
Protecting Global Maritime Safety
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the safety of maritime personnel must remain a top priority for all involved parties. “Targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure must end,” Jaiswal stated during the ministry’s weekly briefing. He noted that the persistent attacks are not only disrupting global supply chains but are also putting innocent workers in grave danger.
The Indian government has maintained a consistent stance throughout the ongoing conflict: that the safety of sailors and the security of trade corridors are non-negotiable. As a country with a significant number of professionals serving in the global merchant navy, India views these developments with extreme gravity.
Diplomatic Efforts for a ‘Non-Attack’ Zone
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently underscored India’s proactive diplomatic role in the Black Sea crisis. During his latest engagements, Jaishankar confirmed that New Delhi remains in constant dialogue with both Russian and Ukrainian officials.
India’s proposal centers on the creation of “non-attack possibilities” for shipping corridors. The objective is to establish a secure transit framework that addresses the specific security anxieties of both warring nations—particularly regarding grain and energy exports—without compromising the safety of civilian vessels. By mediating these concerns, India hopes to insulate the shipping industry from the tactical maneuvers of the ongoing military conflict.
A Call for Restraint
The government’s latest appeal follows three distinct attacks reported on Wednesday alone, which further solidified the need for a formal agreement to protect logistics lanes. India’s diplomatic outreach is aimed at fostering an environment where commercial traffic can resume without the threat of collateral damage.
While India has refrained from taking sides in the broader geopolitical struggle, its advocacy for the protection of seafaring workers highlights a shift toward a more vocal humanitarian position. For now, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the health and status of the injured Indian nationals while urging all stakeholders to prioritize the cessation of violence in the interest of regional peace. The international community is watching closely to see if this pressure can pave the way for a more stable corridor in the volatile Black Sea theater.
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