Jaishankar Expresses Alarm Over Black Sea Attacks on Indian Seafarers to Ukraine

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a strategic telephonic conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, unequivocally condemning recent missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that put Indian seafarers at risk. Jaishankar stressed that targeting merchant shipping violates international maritime law and poses grave dangers to global supply chains.

The Black Sea has emerged as a high-risk maritime theater following escalating military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. Commercial cargo ships transporting grain, fertilizers, and energy supplies have repeatedly faced strikes, sea mine hazards, and regional blockades. India accounts for approximately 10% of the world's global seafaring workforce, making the safety of commercial crews a key priority for New Delhi.

During the bilateral dialogue, Jaishankar highlighted the fragility of current international logistics, noting how regional maritime conflicts disrupt global food, fuel, and fertilizer security. The Black Sea maritime corridor remains critical for world agricultural trade, particularly under initiatives designed to ensure unhindered grain exports to global markets in Asia and Africa.

India's diplomatic stance underscores its policy of protecting its diaspora while advocating for the freedom of navigation in international waters under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). This development is crucial for UPSC Mains GS Paper II (International Relations, Indian Diaspora) and GS Paper III (Global Supply Chains and Security).