India Calls for De-escalation After Four Commercial Ships Attacked in Black Sea

India Calls for De-escalation in Black Sea

India has called for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions in the Black Sea after a series of attacks targeted commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

Four commercial ships with Indian seafarers were attacked in the region within a period of less than 36 hours.

Responding to the developments, the Ministry of External Affairs called for an end to attacks on commercial shipping and stressed the need to restore safe and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways.

MEA Condemns Attacks on Commercial Vessels

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had seen a series of attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea region.

He condemned the attacks, saying they threaten commercial shipping and endanger the lives of seafarers.

India's statement focused on the safety of commercial vessels and the people working aboard them, including Indian seafarers affected by the incidents.

The government called for the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the region to stop.

Four Ships Attacked in Less Than 36 Hours

The Indian response came after four commercial ships with Indian seafarers were attacked in the Black Sea in less than 36 hours.

The incidents have raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operating in the region.

According to Jaiswal, the attacks represent a threat not only to the vessels themselves but also to the lives of seafarers.

India has therefore urged all concerned to work towards reducing tensions and restoring conditions that allow commercial shipping to operate safely.

India Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy

In response to the attacks, India reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy as a means of de-escalating tensions.

The objective, according to the statement, is to enable the early return of peace to the region.

India's position emphasises diplomatic efforts rather than further escalation, particularly given the risks faced by commercial vessels and their crews.

The government has also stressed the importance of keeping international waterways open for navigation and commerce.

Free Navigation and Commerce Must Be Restored

The Ministry of External Affairs said that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.

The statement highlights the importance of safe maritime movement for commercial shipping.

The Black Sea is being used by commercial vessels despite the ongoing tensions in the region, making the safety of ships and seafarers an important concern.

India's call therefore extends beyond the safety of individual vessels to the broader principle of uninterrupted international maritime commerce.

Togo-Flagged Ship Alfa Watan

Jaiswal also referred to an attack involving the Togo-flagged ship Alfa Watan.

He said the vessel was attacked and that the fate of its crew was unknown at the time of the statement.

The incident was cited as part of the broader series of attacks involving commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

The uncertainty surrounding the crew further underlined the concerns over the safety of seafarers operating in the region.

MV Royad Mammadov Also Came Under Attack

The MEA spokesperson also listed the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov among the ships affected by the attacks.

According to Jaiswal, the vessel came under attack while it was operating in the Black Sea.

The incident formed part of the series of attacks that prompted India's renewed call for de-escalation.

Concern Over Indian Seafarers

The presence of Indian seafarers aboard the affected commercial ships has added a specific concern for India.

The government has emphasised the need to protect seafarers while ensuring that commercial shipping can continue operating safely.

Jaiswal said the attacks endanger the lives of the seafaring community, making the safety of crews a central part of India's response.

India Seeks Early Return of Peace

India's response comes as attacks on commercial vessels create additional risks for maritime activity in the Black Sea.

The government has called for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and facilitate an early return to peace.

At the same time, India has urged that commercial shipping and seafarers should no longer be targeted.

The MEA has also called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways.

With four commercial ships carrying Indian seafarers reportedly attacked within less than 36 hours, India has reiterated its position that maritime safety and uninterrupted international commerce need to be protected.