The Supreme Court has ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to use diplomatic channels to trace 22‑year‑old sailor Deepak Kumar Gupta, who vanished after his cargo ship was hit by drones in the Black Sea on July 25, after the family’s repeated pleas went unanswered.

Key Takeaways

  • Supreme Court orders MEA to launch diplomatic search for missing sailor.
  • The sailor’s family filed multiple petitions without receiving any response.
  • The case is scheduled for a hearing on Friday.

The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to employ diplomatic channels to determine the whereabouts of Deepak Kumar Gupta, a 22‑year‑old Indian seafarer who went missing after a drone strike on his vessel in the Black Sea on July 25.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was directed to seek guidance from the Indian Embassy in Ukraine and the Indian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. The petition, filed by the sailor’s elder brother Sandeep Kumar Gupta, seeks coordinated search‑and‑rescue efforts from both missions.

The petition states that representations were sent to MEA and the two embassies between July 26 and July 30, but none received a response or any assurance of action.

Deepak was serving aboard the cargo ship MV AGN Ragnar. His family hails from Siwan district, Bihar, and resides in Bharataul village, Bareilly district. The vessel was attacked near the Ukrainian port of Odesa, where several Indian crew members were on board.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that swift diplomatic engagement is crucial when Indian nationals are caught in overseas conflict zones, and the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in holding the executive accountable.

"Diplomatic outreach is essential in maritime distress cases involving international hostilities," said an international law expert.
Did You Know?: The Black Sea has seen a rise in drone attacks since 2022, raising global concerns over commercial shipping safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is there any official update on Deepak Gupta’s status?

Answer: No confirmed information has been released yet; the Court has ordered MEA to expedite the investigation.

Question 2: What steps is the Indian government planning?

Answer: The government aims to intensify diplomatic efforts, coordinate with Ukrainian and Romanian missions, and seek international assistance for the search.