Govt summons Russian envoy after 4 Indians die in merchant ship attack in Ukraine

India summoned the Russian envoy and lodged a strong protest over the killing of four Indian crew members in the alleged Russian missile strike on the cargo vessel off Ukraine's Odesa coast.

In Short

• Four Indian crew members killed, one critically injured in missile strike
• MEA called attack on MV Golden Leo deplorable and demanded accountability
• Summoned Russian envoy over killing, sought Moscow's explanation

The government on Tuesday summoned the Russian envoy to India and lodged a strong protest with Moscow over the killing of four Indian nationals on board a merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. New Delhi termed the attack "deplorable" and demanded accountability for the deaths of its nationals, sources said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi, Vladimir Ladanov, to convey India's strong objection over the incident and seek an explanation.

The four Indians were killed while serving as crew members on a merchant vessel operating off the Ukrainian coast. The Ukrainian authorities have blamed Russia for the attack, as the war between the two countries continues.

Sources said India has conveyed its serious concern to the Russian side and is closely monitoring the developments.

The diplomatic move came a day after the MEA confirmed that four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing Ukraine's port of Odesa on the evening of July 19.

The vessel, carrying grain, had 17 crew members on board, including five Indians.

"As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition," the MEA said in a statement on Monday.

Condemning the attack, India said targeting commercial shipping and innocent civilian crew members was unacceptable.

"India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided," the ministry said.

The MEA said the Indian mission in Ukraine was closely monitoring the situation and making every effort to assist those affected.

According to Ukrainian officials, the Golden Leo, carrying corn, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after leaving Odesa on Sunday. Ukraine's navy said the vessel caught fire following the attack.

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