MEA urges caution for Indian seafarers taking Black Sea jobs after deaths of five nationals

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday urged Indian nationals to carefully evaluate the security situation before accepting jobs on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea and nearby maritime regions, citing a sharp rise in attacks linked to the ongoing conflict.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in the region. According to the MEA, commercial vessels navigating these waters continue to face serious threats, including missile and drone strikes. Since April 2026, such attacks have increased, resulting in the deaths of five Indian nationals.

"Indian nationals intending to undertake employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region are advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments," it said.

MEA outlines safety measures for Indian crew members

The ministry advised Indian seafarers considering employment on vessels transiting the conflict zone to first obtain detailed information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators about the ship's planned route, ports of call, onboard security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response protocols.

The advisory also asked crew members to ensure that employment contracts meet international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in case of emergencies.

"Obtain comprehensive information from employers/ recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel's intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures. Ensure that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency," it said.

In addition, Indian nationals have been urged to keep their families informed about their travel plans, stay in regular contact, and closely follow security advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and other relevant Indian authorities.

The MEA specifically referred seafarers to the DGMA's security advisory issued on July 23.

"Regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, and other relevant Government of India authorities, as well as safety instructions issued by vessel operators and the competent maritime authorities. In particular, Indian nationals are advised to refer to the recent Security Advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on 23 July 2026," it added.

The ministry also advised Indians in need of assistance to remain in touch with Indian diplomatic missions in the region. It shared emergency contact numbers for the Embassy of India in Russia and the Embassy of India in Ukraine, urging nationals to seek consular help whenever required.

The latest advisory underscores India's growing concern over the deteriorating security environment in the Black Sea, where the continuing conflict has increasingly exposed commercial shipping and civilian crews to direct risks.