The Indian Embassy in Ukraine is currently focused on the developments concerning MV AMIR1, a merchant ship with thirteen Indian seafarers aboard. Reports indicate that the vessel is encountering ongoing threats from drones and missiles near Ukraine’s Black Sea coast. The embassy has stated that it is maintaining constant communication with pertinent authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew members on board.

Recent Incidents Heighten Concerns

This situation arises shortly after another vessel, the MV AGN Ragnar, was struck at Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 25, while four Indian nationals were onboard. The incident left two Indian seafarers unaccounted for, prompting India to coordinate actively with Ukrainian officials in search and rescue operations.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv updated that it is treating the situation surrounding MV AMIR1 with utmost priority. The embassy expressed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Indian nationals onboard the ship. This follows concerns raised by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India regarding the crew’s safety and calls for immediate evacuation measures.

The Forward Seamen’s Union has reported that MV AMIR1 is currently docked at the Chornomorsk port in Ukraine, housing a total of fifteen crew members, which includes thirteen Indians. The union claims that the vessel has been subjected to consistent drone and missile threats, placing the crew in a precarious situation and creating a climate of fear regarding potential strikes.

Call for Urgent Action from Authorities

The Forward Seamen’s Union has made an urgent plea to the Indian government and other stakeholders to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their prompt repatriation. The union emphasised that Indian seafarers should not be left vulnerable in conflict zones and advocated for immediate protective measures to be put in place.

On July 28, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the continued search for the two missing crew members from MV AGN Ragnar. He affirmed that India is in touch with their families and has reiterated the country’s stance on protecting commercial shipping and civilians amid the ongoing conflict. Jaiswal stated that any targets aimed at commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure are not acceptable and called for de-escalation through diplomatic dialogues.

As the situation around MV AMIR1 is under constant review, the Indian Embassy emphasised that it is prioritizing the safety measures and actions necessary to safeguard Indian nationals involved in both cases. The embassy maintains a proactive approach while liaising with international and national officials to navigate the complexities arising from the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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