India on Tuesday conveyed to Russia its strong concern over the missile attack on commercial vessel MV Golden Leo when it was departing the port of Odisa in Ukraine in which at least four Indian nationals were killed.
‘’Today Russian Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Vladimir Ladanov, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry conveyed India’s grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo on 19 July, which resulted in the tragic loss of four Indian lives, emphasising that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce,’’ the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The Russian Chargé d’Affaires was asked to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives are unacceptable and must be avoided, the MEA added.
At the time of the incident, there were 17 crew members on board, including 5 Indian nationals. While Indian nationals lost their lives, one is hospitalised in a critical condition.
‘’Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery,’’ the MEA added.