India Cracks Diplomatic Whip: Ukraine Ambassador Summoned Over Indian Seafarer Attacks

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk over attacks affecting Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, in the latest diplomatic move by New Delhi following a series of deadly incidents involving merchant vessels in the conflict zone. Polishchuk arrived at the South Block office of the MEA on Monday afternoon and left about 15 minutes later. While neither the MEA nor the Ukrainian Embassy immediately disclosed details of the discussions, official sources indicated the meeting focused on the safety of Indian nationals employed on commercial ships navigating the conflict-hit maritime region.

#WATCH | Delhi: Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk

leaves from the Ministry of External Affairs, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. MEA summoned him after attack on vessel killed Indian seafarer. pic.twitter.com/Wh58y8t7ce

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026

The meeting comes days after India issued a rare advisory asking Indian seafarers to carefully assess the security situation before accepting jobs on vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea, citing a sharp escalation in attacks on commercial shipping. The advisory followed multiple casualties involving Indian crew members in recent weeks. Earlier this month, India strongly condemned attacks on commercial merchant vessels after several Indian nationals were killed in separate incidents linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The MEA described attacks on civilian shipping as "unacceptable" and stressed that they undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce. India has conveyed its concerns over the continued risks faced by Indian seafarers in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and sought assurances regarding their safety. However, there was no official readout from either side immediately after the ambassador's departure.