The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indian citizens to carefully evaluate the risks before accepting jobs on commercial ships operating in or passing through conflict-hit maritime regions, particularly the Black Sea.
In a fresh advisory, the government warned that the security situation in the Black Sea and nearby waters remains highly unstable due to the ongoing conflict, making commercial shipping routes increasingly dangerous.
‘Indian nationals intending to undertake employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region are advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments,’ the advisory said.
Advisory for Indian nationals undertaking employment on commercial vessels operating in Black Sea region ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/0W6Hytj67T pic.twitter.com/UbL6Bln05m
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 26, 2026
The government added that those who still choose to work in the region should exercise maximum caution.
Advisory issued after five Indian deaths
The warning comes after five Indian nationals lost their lives in separate attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region within the past week. One Indian sailor was killed in the latest strike on Friday, while four others died in a similar attack on July 19.
The Centre had earlier condemned attacks on commercial shipping, saying they put innocent civilian lives at risk.
Rising threats to commercial vessels
According to the advisory, commercial ships operating in or passing through the Black Sea have been increasingly targeted by missile and drone attacks.
‘Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of five Indian lives,’ the government said.
Precautions for Indian seafarers
The MEA advised job seekers to obtain complete information from employers and ship operators about the vessel’s planned route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response measures before accepting any assignment.
‘Ensure that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency,’ the advisory stated.
The government also urged Indian sailors to keep their families informed about their travel plans and remain in regular contact while at sea.
Indian nationals requiring assistance have been advised to approach the Embassy of India or the nearest Indian Consulate in the region for consular support.
First published on: Jul 26, 2026 02:35 PM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
Related Story
