India has strongly condemned an attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel MV Omorfi in Russian waters, which resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer.The incident occurred on July 18, 2026, while the vessel was transiting the Black Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that one Indian national, chief officer Sagar Gupta, tragically lost his life, while the other two Indian crew members were reported safe.

The attack happened a day before a Russian strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, which killed 10 people, including four Indian seafarers.India has called for upholding international obligations to ensure maritime safety and uninterrupted global commerce.The Indian embassy in Russia is assisting the family of the deceased.

This brings the total number of Indian seafarers killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to five, with additional casualties in attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.The ministry has summoned diplomats from Iran, Russia, and the US to protest these incidents.India has rejected claims that the Golden Leo was carrying arms, citing cargo records showing it was loaded with grain.

The government reiterated its stance against targeting commercial shipping, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to protect seafarers and maritime trade.