The Indian government has issued a fresh security advisory for seafarers following a dangerous strike on a commercial vessel at the Port of Odesa. Among the crew of the MV AGN Ragnar, which came under fire on July 25, were four Indian nationals. While two sailors have been confirmed safe, the status of the remaining two remains uncertain as search-and-rescue efforts continue. This incident underscores the heightened volatility in the region, where drone and missile threats have increasingly endangered merchant ships.

The government is urging Indian crew members to exercise extreme caution when accepting assignments in conflict zones, emphasizing that the risks of navigating these waters have surged significantly since early 2026. Data from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) suggests that at least ten vessels carrying Indian personnel have been targeted in recent months, with the total death toll of Indian sailors now reaching eight. Authorities are calling for rigorous vetting of ship routes and security protocols, advising workers to ensure their contracts include robust provisions for emergency evacuation, medical support, and compensation before committing to voyages in high-risk maritime corridors.