India has condemned attacks on three commercial vessels in the Black Sea and called for an immediate end to such incidents, stressing that commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must
not be targeted.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessels Alfa Watan, Able and Aframax Rio came under attack in the Black Sea. The ministry also provided an update on the Indian crew members aboard two of the vessels.
Seven Indians Among Crew Of Vessel Able
The MEA said Able, a Palau-flagged vessel, had a total crew of 18, including seven Indian nationals. One of the Indian crew members was injured in the attack.
With assistance from the Bulgarian authorities, the crew members were evacuated and taken to Varna, Bulgaria. The injured Indian national is receiving medical treatment, the ministry said.
India also thanked the Bulgarian authorities for their support in evacuating and assisting the crew.
All 23 Indian Crew Members On Aframax Rio Rescued
The ministry said all 23 crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged Aframax Rio are Indian nationals and have been rescued.
The MEA did not provide further details about their condition in its statement.
India Awaits Information On Alfa Watan Crew
The third vessel named by the MEA, Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, was also attacked in the Black Sea.
India said it was awaiting information about the crew members aboard the vessel.
India Calls For Immediate End To Attacks
The MEA said the continued attacks on commercial shipping were a matter of “deep concern” for India.
“Targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end,” the ministry said, reiterating its call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability.
The statement underlined India’s concern over the safety of commercial vessels and seafarers amid continuing incidents in the Black Sea.
