SRINAGAR: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday advised Indian nationals to carefully assess security risks before accepting jobs on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the Black Sea and nearby conflict-affected waters, citing a sharp increase in attacks on merchant shipping.
The advisory comes as missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels have intensified since April 2026, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals, the ministry said.
The MEA urged seafarers to obtain detailed information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators about a vessel’s route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance cover and emergency response procedures before taking up employment.
It also advised Indian crew members to ensure their employment contracts comply with international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of an emergency.
The ministry asked seafarers to keep their families informed of their travel plans, remain in regular contact, and follow security advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and other government authorities. It specifically referred to the DGMA’s security advisory issued on July 23.
The MEA further urged Indian nationals requiring assistance to stay in touch with Indian diplomatic missions in the region, including the Embassies of India in Russia and Ukraine, and seek consular support whenever necessary.
The advisory reflects growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea, where the ongoing conflict has increasingly exposed commercial shipping and civilian crews to attack.
