Ukraine has conveyed its condolences to India over the deaths of Indian seafarers amid the worsening security situation in the Black Sea, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha writing to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to express sympathy and propose discussions on regional security.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Embassy of Ukraine in India said Sybiha had sent a letter of condolence to Jaishankar following the recent incidents involving Indian nationals aboard commercial vessels operating in the conflict-hit region.

Ukraine Seeks Talks on Black Sea Security

The Ukrainian Embassy expressed its deepest sympathies to the families of the Indian seafarers who lost their lives due to the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea.

It also said Ukraine hopes the foreign ministers of both countries will hold talks in the near future to discuss the evolving situation in the region.

“We hope that, following the relevant proposal made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, a conversation between the foreign ministers of our two countries will take place in the nearest future to discuss in detail the current security situation in the Black Sea region,” the statement said.

Indian Seafarers Affected by Recent Attacks

The statement comes as tensions continue to escalate in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On Sunday, a merchant vessel carrying four Indian nationals was struck at the port of Odesa. According to the Embassy of India in Ukraine, two of the Indians are safe, while information regarding the remaining two is awaited.

Earlier, on July 19, four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured when the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo came under attack while departing from the port of Odesa.

India Issues Advisory for Seafarers

In view of the volatile security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas, the Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals considering employment on commercial vessels operating in the region to carefully evaluate the security risks before accepting such assignments.

The ministry has also urged seafarers to ensure that their employment contracts comply with applicable international maritime standards.

Indian nationals requiring assistance have been advised to contact the Embassy of India in Ukraine or the Indian Consulates in the region for consular support.

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