Diplomacy

India Urges Protection of Black Sea Shipping Routes

Deutsche Welle · 4 hours ago · Read the Full Story on Deutsche Welle
India Urges Protection of Black Sea Shipping Routes
AI SUMMARY

India has called on Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping in the Black Sea to protect civilian crews and secure vital supply chains.

  • India has urged Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Black Sea.
  • Attacks on merchant vessels in the region threaten Indian seafarers and vital food and energy supplies.
  • Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers must end.
  • India accounts for more than 12% of the global seafaring workforce with 311,936 maritime professionals.
  • The Turkish-owned cargo ship MV Royad Mammadov sank after an attack on Monday, killing two crew members and injuring three Indian nationals.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the strike on the MV Royad Mammadov, while Moscow reported striking two Ukrainian cargo vessels.
  • The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio was attacked near Sochi, with all 23 Indian crew members successfully rescued.
  • Former Indian diplomat Anil Wadhwa noted that India's proposal covers energy infrastructure, safe passage for exports, and an end to attacks on merchant vessels.
  • Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described India's ceasefire proposal as the broadest of four offers received by Kyiv, though Russia has not publicly endorsed a binding safe-passage deal.
  • Analyst Rajan Kumar suggested India collaborate with Global South nations like China, Brazil, and South Africa to enhance diplomatic leverage for maritime security.
  • US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, though its scope remains unclear.
  • Professor Lekha Chakraborty warned that prolonged Black Sea disruptions would elevate India's import bill and drive food inflation.