**Title: Ukraine Questions India's Stance on Russia Amid Black Sea Attacks**
In a recent development, the Ukrainian Embassy in India stirred controversy with a post on social media platform X, urging New Delhi to adopt a firmer stance against Russia and expressing concerns over the safety of Indian sailors. The post, which was deleted shortly after publication, highlighted the precarious situation of thirteen Indian seafarers stranded aboard the MV Amir1 in Chornomorsk, Ukraine, as Russia escalates its military actions targeting Ukrainian ports and infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Embassy's post pointed out that the Indian government had not yet responded to a request for a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss the ongoing situation. The embassy also referenced India's advisories regarding the safety of its nationals working on ships in conflict-prone areas, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, suggesting a disparity in the level of protection offered to Indian sailors in these regions. The post questioned whether the Russian envoy would be summoned again for further discussions, reflecting a sense of urgency regarding the safety of Indian nationals.
The tweet garnered attention from various Indian media outlets, although the Indian Foreign Ministry has not issued any official comment on the matter. In recent weeks, India has summoned the envoys of both Russia and Ukraine to express its concerns over attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, which have resulted in the deaths of five Indian sailors.
In response to the escalating tensions, New Delhi issued a maritime advisory urging Indian seafarers in the conflict zone to exercise extreme caution and conduct risk assessments before navigating the area. It is important to note that while these advisories provide guidance, the ultimate decision regarding shipping routes rests with ship owners and captains, making it impractical to frequently disembark and re-embark sailors in conflict zones.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed India's earlier protests, stating that Russia had communicated its position clearly, emphasizing that Russian armed forces would continue to target vessels involved in transporting military supplies to Ukraine.
The timing of the Ukrainian embassy's post coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, where he expressed gratitude to U.S. Senators for advancing legislation that could impose 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian energy, including India, which is the second-largest purchaser of Russian oil.
In response to the situation concerning the MV Amir1, India’s embassy in Ukraine acknowledged the issue and assured that it was prioritizing the safety and security of the Indian nationals on board. The embassy stated that it was in constant communication with relevant parties to ensure the well-being of the seafarers.
Ukraine's ambassador to India, Aleksandr Polishchuk, commented on the relationship between India and Russia, noting that while India maintains strong ties with Moscow, it has a significant international reputation. He reiterated Ukraine's request for India to support efforts to bring Russia to the negotiation table.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the safety of foreign nationals, including Indian sailors, remains a pressing concern. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations, particularly for countries like India that navigate their diplomatic ties with both Russia and Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.