India condemns Black Sea attacks, calls to stop targeting commercial shipping
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday condemned attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea region, asserted that the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in that region must end.
He added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping remain a cause of deep concern for New Delhi.
Jaiswal said, “We have seen a string of attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea region in the last one or two days. We condemn such attacks that threaten commercial shipping and endanger the lives of our seafaring community. First, the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov came under attack while it was flying in the Black Sea.”
“There were three Indian nationals onboard. All of them are safe, but one of them was injured and is receiving treatment. We thank the Romanian authorities who lent us a helping hand and were very helpful in this particular incident,” he said.
He stated that the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan came under attack on Tuesday and the fate of its crew is not yet known. Seven Indian nationals were rescued after the Palau-flagged MV Able came under a drone attack with one of them undergoing treatment for injuries.
“The second ship that came under attack was Alfa Watan, this is a Togo-flagged ship. It came under attack yesterday, and the fate of its crew is unknown at this point. Another vessel, the Palau-flagged MV Able, came under a drone attack, but fortunately all 18 crew members, which include seven Indian nationals, have been rescued. One Indian national has been injured, and he is receiving medical assistance and supervision. We thank the Bulgarian authorities for their timely help. Our Mission in Bulgaria is offering all possible assistance to our seafarers.”
“The fourth ship that came under attack was the Liberian-flagged oil tanker, Aframax Rio. All the crew members are Indian nationals. All the 23 crew members onboard this particular ship were Indian nationals, and all of them have been rescued. We once again our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation through the international waterways must be restored at the earliest,” he added.
MEA issued a statement on the attacks on commercial vessels, said, “We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels, Togo – flagged Alfa Watan, Palau – flagged Able, and Liberia – flagged Aframax Rio in the Black Sea. Of the total crew of 18 on ship Able, 7 are Indian nationals. One of the Indian nationals has been injured. With the assistance of Bulgarian authorities, the crew members have been evacuated and stationed in the city of Varna in Bulgaria.”
“The injured crew member is receiving requisite medical treatment. We thank the Bulgarian authorities for their valuable support. All 23 crew onboard the vessel Aframax Rio are Indian nationals and they have been rescued. We await to hear about the crew on the vessel Alfa Watan,” the statement said.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping remain a cause of deep concern for India. We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end,” the MEA added.
