New Delhi, 21 July (H.S.): India on Tuesday summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to the Ministry of External Affairs and lodged a strong protest following the death of four Indian nationals in an attack on commercial vessel MV Golden Leo, which had departed from Ukraine’s Odesa port. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, stating that targeting commercial vessels and causing the loss of innocent lives was completely unacceptable.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that four Indian citizens were killed in the attack on MV Golden Leo on July 19. Conveying India’s serious concerns to the Russian Charge d’Affaires, the ministry stated that such attacks undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime trade. Ladanov was also requested to convey India’s concerns to the Russian authorities.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that incidents involving attacks on commercial vessels 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 parties concerned.

It may be noted that MV Golden Leo had departed from Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa on Sunday. During its voyage, the vessel came under a missile attack, following which a fire broke out onboard. The ship was carrying a total of 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 nationals were among those killed, while another Indian citizen sustained serious injuries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar