Key Highlights

• BJP MP Ramesh Awasthi has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking the early repatriation of Merchant Navy officer Sagar Gupta's mortal remains.
• Sagar Gupta, a resident of Kanpur, was reportedly killed after cargo vessel MV Omorfi came under attack in the Black Sea on July 18.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned attacks on commercial vessels and summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India over the incident.
• Gupta's family has appealed for the speedy return of his body so that last rites can be performed.
• Authorities have been coordinating with relevant agencies regarding the incident and repatriation process.

MP Writes to S. Jaishankar Seeking Immediate Action

Ramesh Awasthi has written to Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, requesting urgent intervention to facilitate the return of Merchant Navy officer Sagar Gupta to India.

Gupta, a resident of Kanpur, was reportedly killed when the cargo vessel MV Omorfi came under attack in the Black Sea on July 18, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The MP urged the Ministry of External Affairs to complete the required diplomatic and administrative formalities and ensure the early repatriation of Gupta's mortal remains.

Family Awaits Return of Mortal Remains

According to the MP's letter, Gupta's family was informed of his reported death but has yet to receive his mortal remains.

The family has appealed to the government to expedite the process so that traditional last rites can be performed in Kanpur.

Gupta's wife, Shalu Gupta, has also sought assistance from authorities and requested action regarding the recruitment agency associated with her husband's overseas employment.

Timeline of Events

According to information shared by the family:

• Sagar Gupta left Kanpur for Mumbai on June 13.
• He travelled to Istanbul on June 15.
• He reportedly joined MV Omorfi as Chief Officer on June 17.
• He last spoke with his family on July 17.
• Family members said they were informed by a colleague that the vessel came under a drone attack in the Black Sea on July 18, resulting in his death.
• The family said representatives of the shipping company later contacted them regarding the incident.

Government Response

Earlier, the Kanpur district administration had written to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking verification of the reported incident and assistance in repatriating Gupta's body if the reports were confirmed.

District officials had stated that, at that stage, they had not received official confirmation from either the Ministry of Home Affairs or the shipping company regarding Gupta's reported death or the attack on the vessel.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Oleksandr Polishchuk over the incident and condemned attacks on commercial vessels.

Why This Matters

The incident highlights the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international commercial vessels in conflict-affected regions. It has also brought attention to the importance of timely diplomatic coordination for verifying incidents involving Indian nationals abroad and facilitating the repatriation of mortal remains. The family's appeal and the intervention sought by the local Member of Parliament underscore the humanitarian dimension of such cases amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Sagar Gupta?

Sagar Gupta was a Merchant Navy chief officer from Kanpur who was reportedly serving aboard the cargo vessel MV Omorfi.

What happened to him?

According to his family and public officials, he was reportedly killed after the vessel came under attack in the Black Sea on July 18, 2026.

Why has MP Ramesh Awasthi written to S. Jaishankar?

The MP has requested the External Affairs Minister to expedite the repatriation of Sagar Gupta's mortal remains to India.

Has the Indian government responded?

The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India over the incident and condemned attacks on commercial vessels. Authorities are also handling matters related to verification and repatriation.

What has the family requested?

The family has sought the early return of Sagar Gupta's mortal remains and has also requested action concerning the recruitment agency associated with his overseas employment.