India Urges Russia and Ukraine to Stop Black Sea Ship Attacks

The Government of India has called on Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea to protect civilian crews and restore free navigation. This diplomatic push follows a series of strikes on commercial shipping, including the sinking of the MV Royad Mammadov, which killed two crew members and injured three Indian nationals, and an attack on the Aframax Rio, from which 23 Indian crew members were rescued.

India's proposal seeks specific guarantees for energy infrastructure and the safe passage of grain and energy exports. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Indian ceasefire proposal as the broadest of four offers received by Kyiv. While the Office of Inspectors General confirmed strikes on two Ukrainian cargo vessels, Russia has not publicly endorsed a binding deal.

This effort coincides with an energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Indian government emphasized that the targeting of commercial shipping must end to ensure the safety of seafarers and the restoration of international commerce.