India summons Ukrainian ambassador over Indian crew death

India summoned Ukraine's ambassador on Monday, July 27, 2026, to formally protest an attack on a commercial vessel that resulted in the death of an Indian crew member. The diplomatic action underscores the growing risks to international shipping and civilian lives in the Black Sea amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk to its offices in New Delhi. Officials conveyed India's serious concern and condemned the attack on the merchant vessel MV Omorfi in the strongest terms. The ministry stated the attack resulted in the tragic death of an Indian national and underscored the adverse impact such incidents have on maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and international commerce.

According to the ministry, the ambassador was requested to convey India's strong concerns to Ukrainian authorities, reiterating that targeting commercial vessels and endangering the lives of innocent civilian seafarers is unacceptable and must be avoided. The attack on the MV Omorfi reportedly occurred on July 18.

In response, the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement expressing profound sympathy...