New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a fresh advisory for Indian nationals employed or seeking employment on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas, citing an increasingly volatile security situation.
According to the advisory, the security environment in and around the Black Sea has remained highly unstable due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters have reportedly been facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks.
The MEA noted that since April 2026, there has been a rise in the number of such incidents involving commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of five Indian lives.
Indian nationals intending to take up employment on vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region have been advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments. Those who choose to proceed with such employment have been urged to exercise utmost caution and observe the following precautions:
Seafarers have been advised to obtain comprehensive information from employers, recruitment agencies, and ship operators regarding the vessel’s intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures.
It has also been advised that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency.
Family members should reportedly be kept informed of the seafarer’s itinerary, with regular contact to be maintained throughout the voyage.
Indian nationals have been advised to regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) and other relevant government of India authorities, along with safety instructions issued by vessel operators and competent maritime authorities.
In particular, they have been directed to refer to the recent Security Advisory issued by the DGMA, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, dated July 23.
Indian nationals requiring consular assistance have been advised to contact the Embassy of India or Consulates in the region. The emergency contact numbers shared by the MEA are as follows:
Embassy of India, Russia: +7 9652773414
Embassy of India, Ukraine: +38 0933559958
