Indian Sailor Killed in Black Sea Attack on MV OMORFI, Other Crew Safe

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that one Indian national was killed when the commercial vessel MV OMORFI, carrying ten crew including three Indians, was attacked while transiting the Black Sea on July 18. The MEA said two Indian crew members were safe and that India’s mission in Russia is coordinating with authorities to assist the bereaved family. New Delhi condemned the attack on commercial shipping as a threat to civilian lives and urged all parties to uphold international obligations to safeguard maritime navigation and global commerce. The statement follows earlier deadly strikes in the same region, including the attack on MV Golden Leo that killed four Indian sailors, prompting a high-level diplomatic protest. India has repeatedly warned of rising threats to navigation and called for strengthened protections for civilian vessels in conflict zones. The developments underscore growing risks to global trade routes amid ongoing tensions in the Black Sea and near Ukraine.