India summoned a senior Russian diplomat to express grave concerns after a missile strike on a commercial vessel off Ukraine killed four Indian sailors. New Delhi stated that targeting civilian shipping is unacceptable and undermines international maritime commerce.
The incident highlights the risks to international shipping amid the ongoing conflict and strains diplomatic relations between India and Russia, a key defense partner.
India has summoned a senior Russian diplomat to express "grave concerns" following a missile strike that killed four Indian sailors aboard a Black Sea cargo ship. Ukraine reported that Russia struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, the Golden Leo, with three cruise missiles on Sunday, resulting in 10 deaths.
Vladimir Ladanov, Russia's chargé d’affaires, was summoned to India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday. The ministry conveyed India's strong concerns, emphasizing that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of civilian lives are "unacceptable." The statement added that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce.
The Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd, according to LSEG data. India has previously lodged protests with both the United States and Iran over the loss of Indian seafarers in the Iran war.
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