India Summons Russian Envoy After Missile Strike Kills Four Indian Seafarers
New Delhi: India summoned Russian charge d'affaires Vladimir Ladanov on Friday to protest an attack on a commercial vessel near the Ukrainian port of Odesa that killed four Indian seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it conveyed India's grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the MV Golden Leo.
The MEA emphasised that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce. The Russian diplomat was requested to convey India's concerns to his authorities that targeting commercial shipping and the resulting loss of civilian lives are unacceptable and must be avoided.
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, with 17 crew members including five Indians, was reportedly hit by Russian cruise missiles as it left Odesa. Four of the Indian nationals were killed. This is the first time Indian seafarers have been killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow was in touch with India on the matter. 'We are explaining our position. Most importantly, our armed forces are striking - and will continue to strike - vessels involved in transporting ammunition, weapons, and so on for the purposes of the Kyiv regime,' he said.
India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and international law. The attack underscores the broader risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea region amid the war.
