‘Targeting of commercial shipping must end’: India condemns latest attack on vessels

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) condemned the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure following two separate attacks in the Black Sea and off Oman that left two foreign seafarers dead and several Indian crew members injured.

Eleven Indian crew members were injured on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) after a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace was hit by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Thanking the Omani authorities for their support, MEA said that the injured crew have since been evacuated and are receiving medical treatment in Oman’s Khasab.

In another attack in the Black Sea, two crew died and 11 were rescued on Monday (October 5, 2026) after a fire broke out on commercial ship MV Royad Mammadov, Romanian authorities said. The Black Sea has become an increasing battlefield for drone attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war.

MEA said two foreign seafarers were killed and some members of the crew, including Indian nationals were injured in the attack, adding that, the injured have been rescued by Romanian authorities and are receiving medical attention. Thanking the Romanian authorities, the Ministry said that the three Indian nationals, who were part of the crew of the ship, are safe.

Expressing grave concern for the safety of global commerce, MEA mentioned that it will continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts.

MEA stated that navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest, saying that “targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end”