The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that it is actively communicating with the families of two Indian nationals still missing after the MV AG N Ragnar was attacked while departing from Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 25. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that four Indian crew members were aboard the vessel during the incident, with two confirmed safe and two unaccounted for.
Jaiswal highlighted that search and rescue operations are underway, coordinated by both Ukrainian and Romanian authorities. The MEA is maintaining close contact with these nations in hopes of obtaining updates on the missing crew members. Additionally, the Indian government is providing support to the families of the individuals involved.
Regarding the broader context of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal mentioned that there is no precise estimate of Indian nationals operating in that area. However, he noted that 13 Indian nationals are currently on the Tanzania-flagged vessel MV Amiri 1, with the Indian Embassy ensuring their welfare.
In response to a query about Saudi Arabia’s initiative to establish an international alliance for maritime security in the Red Sea, Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to free navigation in international waters but confirmed that India did not participate in the recent meeting on this matter.
