MEA Registers Strong Protest With Moscow
India on Tuesday formally lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Russia following the deaths of four Indian nationals in an attack on a merchant cargo vessel near Ukraine’s Black Sea coast. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and sought an explanation over the incident, while conveying New Delhi’s serious concern.
According to official sources, India described the attack as deeply disturbing and stressed the need for accountability in the deaths of its citizens serving aboard the commercial vessel.
Four Indians Dead, One Crew Member Critical
The diplomatic action comes a day after the MEA confirmed that four Indian crew members lost their lives and another Indian national sustained critical injuries when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship MV Golden Leo came under attack after departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19.
The grain carrier had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals. The injured Indian sailor is currently undergoing medical treatment.
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping
Expressing its concern over the incident, the Indian government condemned attacks targeting commercial vessels and civilian seafarers operating in international waters.
The MEA stated that any action endangering innocent crew members or disrupting maritime navigation and global trade is unacceptable. Officials said India remains in close contact with authorities and is monitoring the situation through its diplomatic mission in Ukraine.
Ukraine Blames Russia for Missile Strike
Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of carrying out the attack, claiming the cargo vessel was struck by three cruise missiles shortly after leaving the port of Odesa. Ukrainian officials said the ship caught fire following the strike.
Russia has not officially responded to India’s protest or publicly commented on the allegations at the time of reporting.
India Seeks Accountability
With the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continuing, New Delhi has urged accountability over the deaths of its citizens while continuing efforts to assist the affected crew and their families.
The Indian government has indicated that it will closely follow developments and remain engaged through diplomatic channels.
Q1. Why did India summon the Russian envoy?
Answer: India summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires to register a strong protest after four Indian nationals were killed in an attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine.
Q2. How many Indian nationals were affected in the attack?
Answer: Four Indian crew members were killed, while another Indian national sustained critical injuries.
Q3. Where did the incident take place?
Answer: The attack occurred after the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo departed Ukraine’s Odesa port in the Black Sea region.
Q4. Who has been blamed for the attack?
Answer: Ukrainian authorities have blamed Russia for the missile strike. Russia has not officially responded to the allegations.
Q5. What has India said about the incident?
Answer: India condemned attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members, calling such incidents deplorable and stressing the importance of accountability and safe maritime navigation.
