MEA Warns Indians Against Taking Jobs on Commercial Ships in Black Sea Amid Rising Security Threats

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals planning to work on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea to carefully evaluate the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, the MEA said the security situation in the Black Sea and nearby maritime regions remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict, urging those who still choose to take up such employment to exercise extreme caution.

According to the ministry, commercial vessels in the region continue to face serious threats, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, such incidents have increased, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals.

The MEA advised prospective crew members to obtain complete information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel's intended route, ports of call, onboard security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures before signing any contract.

It also urged Indian seafarers to ensure their employment terms comply with international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in case of emergencies. They have also been asked to keep their families informed of their travel plans and maintain regular contact throughout their voyage.

The ministry further advised Indian nationals to regularly follow advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and other relevant government agencies, including the security advisory issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on July 23.

The advisory comes days after the MEA confirmed that an Indian crew member was killed when the commercial vessel MV OMORFI came under attack on July 18 while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly in Russian territorial waters. The ship had 10 crew members on board, including three Indians. While one Indian lost his life, the other two were reported safe.

The Indian Embassy in Russia has been coordinating with local authorities to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved family.

Condemning the attack, the MEA said targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crew members is unacceptable. It expressed concern over growing threats to freedom of navigation and international trade, and urged all parties involved in the conflict to uphold international obligations to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.

Earlier this week, four other Indian nationals were killed in an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leopard, which had departed from Odesa port in Ukraine.

With inputs from IANS