New Delhi, 21 July (H.S.):

India on Tuesday summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov and lodged a strong protest following the death of four Indian nationals in an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo, which had departed from Ukraine’s Odesa port.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack, stating that targeting commercial vessels and causing the loss of innocent civilian lives was completely unacceptable.

The Ministry said that four Indian citizens were killed in the attack on MV Golden Leo on July 19. During the meeting with the Russian envoy, India conveyed its serious concerns and highlighted that such attacks undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime trade.

The Russian diplomat was also requested to convey India’s concerns to the relevant authorities in Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that incidents involving attacks on commercial ships and the loss of innocent civilian lives must be avoided under all circumstances. India emphasised that ensuring safe and uninterrupted movement of international maritime trade is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.

According to reports, MV Golden Leo departed from Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa on Sunday. During its voyage, the vessel came under a missile attack, resulting in a fire onboard.

The ship was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine crew members and a Ukrainian port pilot. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that four Indian citizens were among those killed, while another Indian national sustained serious injuries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar