Ukraine conflict: Govt. advises Indian nationals to asses security risks before accepting job assignment

Amid increasing attacks on ships in the Ukraine conflict, the government on Sunday asked Indian nationals intending to undertake employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments.

Those who choose to undertake such employment should exercise the utmost caution and observe certain precautions, it said in a travel advisory.

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The advisory said the Indian nationals undertaking employment must 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.

They must ensure 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.

The advisory said the Indian nationals must keep family members informed of their itinerary and maintain regular contact. They should regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, and other relevant Government of India authorities, as well as safety instructions issued by vessel operators and the competent maritime authorities.

The advisory said the security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks.

Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of five Indian lives.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Ukraine on Sunday said it is monitoring the situation after the vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck at the Port of Odesa on Saturday.

In a social media post on X, the Embassy said, “Four Indian nationals were on board the vessel. As per the latest information, two have been confirmed safe, and information is awaited regarding the other two nationals. Search and rescue operations are underway.’’

It said the embassy is in constant touch with the concerned authorities.