India has summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador after two merchant vessels carrying Indian crew were attacked in the Black Sea, raising concerns over the safety of Indians working in the conflict zone.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as a matter of serious concerns and conveyed India’s position directly to the Ukrainian envoy.

According to the MEA, the attacks took place amid the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat due to military operations. Although no deaths have been reported, several Indian seafarers were on board the affected vessels, prompting the government to seek immediate clarification from Ukraine and stress the need to ensure their safety.

During the meeting, the MEA reiterated that merchant ships engaged in commercial trade and civilian crew members must not become targets during armed conflict. India urged Ukraine to take all possible steps to prevent such incidents and to uphold international maritime law, which protects civilian shipping operating in international waters.

The ministry said it is in constant contact with Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and maritime authorities to monitor the condition of Indian crew members. Officials have assured that diplomatic and consular assistance for the crew.

The attack have once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo vessels operating in conflict-affected regions. The continuing war has disrupted shipping routes in the Black Sea, creating risks for commercial trade and the safety of multinational crews.

The latest diplomatic move reflects India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining relations with both countries, India has repeatedly called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the protection of civilians and commercial vessels under international law.

At least two people were killed and five others were injured after a shooting broke out during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival in Seattle, United States, on Sunday. The incident took place near the city’s iconic Space Needle, with authorities launching an investigation into the attack.

According to police, the shooting occurred at Seattle Center while the venue was hosting the popular Bite of Seattle festival, which features hundreds of local food vendors and live music performances. Officials said it was not immediately clear whether anyone had been taken into custody.

The Seattle Police Department said in a post on X that officers were responding to reports of multiple shooting victims and urged people to stay away from the area as the investigation continued.

Shooting erupted during crowded food festival

The gunfire was reported at around 6 pm local time inside Seattle Center, where large crowds had gathered for the annual festival. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and the injured victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, according to media reports.

The festival was underway when the shooting occurred, triggering panic among attendees as people fled the area seeking safety.

Video captures panic after gunfire

Videos circulating on social media appear to capture the moments after shots rang out, with people seen running through the venue amid the chaos.

Eyewitnesses told local broadcaster KOMO that they heard around seven to eight gunshots before crowds began scattering in different directions.

Police have not yet released details about a possible suspect or the motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.

US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet decided whether to authorise major military strikes against Iran, stating that Tehran has become “more serious” in its negotiations with Washington even as tensions between the two countries remain high.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump said discussions with Iran were continuing and suggested diplomatic efforts were showing signs of progress.

“We’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by,” Trump said, adding that no final decision had been taken on launching military action.

Trump says diplomacy remains an option

Trump said the United States remained prepared for military action if required but indicated that ongoing talks could still lead to an agreement.

“We’re locked and loaded and ready to go. But we’re talking to them, so I think while we’re talking, we’ll see what comes of it. I believe they’re very serious. They should be,” he said.

The US President also warned that Iran would face a “much higher level” of strikes if negotiations failed, while reiterating that preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon remained his key red line.

The United States has said its military operations are aimed at preventing Iran from closing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, has carried out retaliatory strikes on US bases, with four American service members reported killed.

Reports claim Trump discussed large-scale military operation

Trump’s remarks came after media reports suggested he met senior advisers to discuss the possibility of a large-scale military operation against Iran. Another report said he was considering a “massive attack”, although Trump did not confirm those reports during his interaction with journalists.

He also acknowledged that the prolonged conflict, which he had earlier expected to last only a few weeks, was approaching its fifth month and had become a political challenge ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November.

Trump issues warning over support for Iran

Trump also addressed reports claiming that Russia and China were providing intelligence or military support to Iran. He said both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured him they would not arm Tehran.

“I think they wouldn’t want to have me disappointed,” Trump said.

In a separate post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned Moscow and Beijing against supplying weapons to Iran, saying such a move would not be in their interests.

He further stated that Xi had assured him during their meeting in Beijing in May that China would not provide weapons to Iran, while Putin had conveyed a similar position despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.