Last Updated on October 8, 2026 12:32 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
BISHESHWAR MISHRA
India has condemned the string of attacks that have taken place in the black sea region in the last one or two days. Briefing media in New Delhi, Wednesday External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that such attacks threaten commercial shipping and endangers the lives of seafaring communities. He added that a commercial vesel MV Royad Mammadov came under attack while it was plying in the black sea, there were three Indian nationals on-board and all of them are safe but one of them got injured and is receiving medical treatment. The second ship, a togo flagged ship, Alfa Watanalso came under attack yesterday. He said, India once again reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce the tensions and enable early return of peace to the region.
Expanding on India’s broader diplomatic efforts to address the root cause of regional volatility, the Spokesperson emphasised New Delhi’s ongoing communication channels with both Moscow and Kyiv. He said, India has reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way forward to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mr Jaiswal said India has consistently advocated an end to the prolonged war and has engaged both Russia and Ukraine in its efforts to promote peace. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that the time has come for endless war to give way to an end to war.The Spokesperson added that India’s engagement with both sides has been appreciated by Russia and Ukraine. He said New Delhi is also working with the two countries to safeguard critical supply lines, protect maritime trade routes and minimise the wider economic impact of the conflict.
On Indian nationals in the Russian army, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal said that India continues to follow up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals with the Russian army. He added that as per information available, 259 Indian nationals are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. Out of these, India’s efforts have resulted in early discharge of 139 Indian nationals. He added that the country has been following up with the Russian authorities for updates on the whereabouts of 69 Indian nationals who remain with the Russian army. He said,the Government of India has once again urged the Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to join the Russion Army.
On the health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar, MEA Spokesperson informed that he is s in the hospital in Abu Dhabi and Indian Embassy in the UAE has been in regular touch with him, with his family as well as local authorities and with the hospital authorities. He said, Captain Machchhar is recuperating well and his health is improving.