India issues Black Sea safety advisory after five seafarers killed

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) have issued a high‑alert advisory for Indian nationals working on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and adjacent waters. The advisory follows a sharp rise in missile and drone attacks on merchant ships since April 2026, linked to the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, and the deaths of five Indian seafarers, including four crew members on the MV GOLDEN LEO attacked on 19 July 2026.

The circular instructs shipowners, operators, masters and Indian crew to conduct detailed security risk assessments before entering the region, verify vessel routes, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures, and ensure employment contracts meet international maritime standards. Seafarers are urged to keep families informed of travel itineraries and maintain regular contact. The advisory also provides helpline numbers for Indian embassies in Russia (+7 9652773414) and Ukraine (+38 933559958) for consular assistance.

India has formally lodged a protest with Russia over the attacks and warned that the security situation in the Black Sea remains highly volatile, urging all Indian citizens to exercise extreme caution when considering employment on ships operating in or transiting the area.