Indian sailor injured after Russian drone strike hits Turkish-owned cargo vessel in Black Sea (Img: X)
Kyiv: An Indian sailor was injured after a Russian drone strike hit a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea, with India condemning attacks on commercial shipping.
India has expressed concern over a Russian drone strike on a Turkish-owned cargo vessel in the Black Sea that left two people dead and injured several crew members, including an Indian national.
The Indian Embassy in Romania said three Indian nationals were among the crew of MV Royad Mammadov, which came under attack outside Romania’s territorial waters. One of the Indian crew members was initially reported injured and taken for medical treatment. The embassy said it was in contact with Romanian authorities and hospital officials to monitor the condition of the Indian nationals.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described attacks on civilian vessels as “completely unacceptable” and reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He noted that the attack on civilian shipping, from the Black Sea to the Gulf region, was completely unacceptable. He further said that India has intensified diplomatic efforts in recent months, maintaining engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the vessel was hit in a Russian attack and reported that its captain was killed. The fate of another crew member was initially unclear.
Zelensky said 11 crew members were rescued, with one reported injured. He also said that Azerbaijani and Indian nationals were among those aboard the ship.
Meanwhile, the Indian mission in Romania said Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra spoke with the Indian nationals receiving treatment at Constanta County Hospital. Hospital authorities confirmed that all three Indians were in good health and receiving necessary medical care.
