India on Tuesday summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov and lodged a strong protest over an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine’s Odesa port that killed four Indian crew members.
The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed India’s “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” of the July 19 attack, saying strikes on civilian commercial vessels threatened the safety and stability of international maritime trade.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives are unacceptable and must be avoided,” the MEA told the Russian diplomat, asking him to convey New Delhi’s concerns to Moscow.
One Indian crew member critically injured
The MV Golden Leo was attacked on Sunday evening while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
There were 17 crew members aboard the vessel, including five Indian nationals, according to the MEA.
Four Indians died in the attack, while the fifth was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
India’s mission in Ukraine is monitoring the situation and extending assistance to those affected, the ministry said.
The MEA offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured crew member a full recovery.
India condemns attacks on commercial shipping
New Delhi said attacks that endanger civilian crew members or obstruct maritime navigation and commerce were deplorable.
“Such attacks undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce,” the ministry said.
India reiterated that civilian shipping and freedom of navigation must be protected in accordance with international norms.
Ukraine blames Russia for missile strike
The Ukrainian Navy accused Russian forces of attacking the civilian cargo vessel, which was reportedly carrying grain and sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the ship was struck by Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles as it was leaving the area.
The strike reportedly hit the starboard side of the vessel’s superstructure and triggered a fire onboard. Ukrainian naval units and maritime rescue services subsequently launched an emergency operation.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its forces had conducted strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels that it alleged were operating in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces.
It said port infrastructure and two bulk carriers carrying military cargo near Odesa were among the targets. The Russian statement cited in the source material did not identify the MV Golden Leo by name.