India has formally summoned the Russian envoy following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in a ship crash near Odesa, Ukraine, in the deadliest incident of Indians in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The MEA said it was troubled at the deaths and wanted to know more about the reasons for them.
The Indian crew members were aboard a commercial vessel that was working in the Black Sea region when it came under attack near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, the official said. The ship was heavily damaged in the area when the military activity hit it and four Indian employees died.
The Indian government has offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of all possible assistance. Security and safety of Indian residents overseas was the central priority and the MEA also said it would not rest until the investigations are transparent.
The decision by India to summon the Russian ambassador indicates the seriousness with which New Delhi is handling the situation. India wants a detailed report of the attack and what happened to the Indian people, officials said.
The Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted the maritime trade in the Black Sea. International shipping companies have been warning of the danger to civilians that work in the conflict zone with their merchant ships for years now.
Attacks on Ukraine's port and fuel infrastructure in Odessa continue
— Victor vicktop55 commentary (@vick55top) July 20, 2026
▪️In Odessa, the largest oil depot in Ukraine is on fire as a result of Russian drone strikes.
▪️In the Odessa port, two cargo ships were hit by attack drones while unloading military supplies, as well as fuel… pic.twitter.com/THYy2sUikN
Indian seafarers are employed on merchant ships across the globe and are a significant part of the international maritime workforce. The latest incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by civilian sailors working in active conflict areas. Maritime organizations have called for stronger international mechanisms to protect commercial vessels and multinational crews.
The Indian government is working closely with local authorities, shipping agencies and diplomatic missions to return the bodies of the victims and support the families, the government said.
Other Indian nationals on board, who have been employed in the Black Sea and who are working in vessels, are also being closely monitored, officials said.
The deaths of the four Indian seafarers have raised the alarm among maritime professionals and the families of sailors working in high-risk waters. Safety protocols in merchant shipping and operational guidelines for conflict zones will be reviewed, say experts.
As investigations continue, India will continue to pursue diplomatic contact with all concerned parties and will stick to the policy of dialogue, peaceful resolution of conflicts and protection of civilians.
The tragedy is a tragic reminder for all of us that the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war are far more than war on the battlefield and affect workers in the rest of the world that are innocent and are not only the people of Russia and Ukraine.
