India Summons Russian Diplomat Over Cargo Ship Attack That Killed Four Indians
New Delhi–India summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires Tuesday and lodged a strong protest over an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo that killed four Indian crew members and critically injured another.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov was called to the ministry and informed of India’s “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” of the July 19 attack.
“The Russian Chargé 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.
The MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had 17 crew members aboard, including five Indian nationals.
Four of the Indian sailors were killed, while the fifth was hospitalized in critical condition, according to the ministry.
India’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine is monitoring the situation and working to assist 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 ministry said.
India also condemned attacks that endanger civilian crews or interfere with international navigation and commerce, saying such actions undermine the safety and stability of maritime trade.
The Turkish-owned vessel, which was sailing under the flag of Guinea-Bissau, was struck by a Russian missile, according to the Kyiv Post. The attack reportedly killed 10 people.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian forces launched three Kh-59 or Kh-69 cruise missiles, with one striking the ship’s starboard side and causing a fire. Eight sailors were rescued and taken to a hospital in Odesa.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday that its forces had carried out strikes against Ukrainian ports and vessels it claimed were supporting Ukraine’s armed forces.
The ministry said Oniks anti-ship missiles, air-launched cruise missiles and loitering munitions were used against port infrastructure and two bulk carriers that Russia alleged were transporting military cargo near Odesa. (Source: IANS)
