India seeks protection for seafarers after attacks on Black Sea vessels
Indian missions are assisting rescued crew, while information about one vessel remained incomplete at the official briefing.
India has called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping after four vessels were hit in the Black Sea within less than 36 hours. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined the incidents on October 7, according to an October 8 report in The Indian Express.
Three Indians were aboard MV Royad Mammadov, including one who was injured and received treatment. India's mission in Romania was assisting. Eighteen crew members of MV ABLE were rescued, among them seven Indians; one Indian was under medical supervision, with the mission in Bulgaria providing support.
The 23 Indian crew members on Aframax Rio were also reported rescued. Information about the crew of Alfa Watan remained unavailable at the briefing. The different situations should not be collapsed into a claim that everyone from all four vessels is accounted for.
New Delhi urged de-escalation and protection of freedom of navigation. For the affected families, the immediate priorities remain verified crew information, treatment and consular assistance. Responsibility for the attacks is not independently established in this briefing.