India on Tuesday said it is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities to locate two Indian seafarers who went missing after a merchant vessel was attacked at Ukraine’s Odesa port last week.
Four Indian crew members were onboard the merchant ship MV AGN Ragnar when the vessel came under attack on July 25. Two crew members were reported missing following the incident.
Two Indian crew members safe, search continues for missing sailors
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said two Indian crew members of MV AGN Ragnar are safe, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining two seafarers.
“The search is underway for them and the Indian side is in touch with local authorities. We are also in touch with the families of the two missing Indian seafarers. We are doing everything we can to help,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Ukrainian authorities as the search operation continues.
India calls for protection of commercial shipping amid Russia-Ukraine conflict
India reiterated that commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not become targets amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Jaiswal said India has consistently emphasised the need to protect maritime navigation and ensure uninterrupted international trade.
“We have been very clear in articulating to both parties, and our partners and friends and to others also, that under no circumstances, commercial shipping or seafarers or civilians or civilian infrastructure must be attacked,” he said.
“We have condemned those attacks which have happened in the Black Sea region,” he added.
India reiterates support for dialogue and diplomacy
The Ministry of External Affairs said India continues to maintain that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through peaceful means.
“India has a clear position that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” Jaiswal said.
India has repeatedly called for negotiations between the two sides while highlighting the impact of the conflict on global food, energy and shipping networks.
Six Indian vessels carrying 125 seafarers located in Persian Gulf
Jaiswal also provided an update on Indian maritime presence in the Persian Gulf region.
He said six Indian vessels are currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, with 125 Indian seafarers onboard these ships.
Inputs from PTI
