Jaishankar Raises Indian Seafarer Safety Concerns in Meeting With Lavrov
Manila–Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers during talks Wednesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Manila.
The two ministers reviewed India-Russia relations and discussed trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and the movement of skilled workers. They also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and developments in the Gulf region.
“An in-depth review of our bilateral relations with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Reiterated our strong concern regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
“Discussed various aspects of our partnership, including trade & investment, energy and connectivity, science & technology, and mobility. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation,” he added.
Jaishankar’s comments followed an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo on July 19 that killed four Indian nationals.
India subsequently summoned Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to the Ministry of External Affairs to protest the attack.
“The Russian Charge d’Affaires was requested 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 ministry said.
According to the ministry, the MV Golden Leo was attacked while leaving the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had 17 crew members aboard, including five Indian nationals.
A Russian missile struck the Turkish-owned cargo vessel, killing 10 people, according to the Kyiv Post.
Lavrov previously visited New Delhi in May for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar.
During his meeting with Lavrov, Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy offered the best path toward resolving the Ukraine conflict, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Lavrov also briefed Modi on progress in bilateral cooperation since the December 2025 India-Russia Annual Summit.
“Prime Minister requested Foreign Minister Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to President Putin,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Jaishankar and Lavrov also reviewed the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership during their earlier meeting in New Delhi, including cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and the movement of skills and talent. (Source: IANS)
