India on Tuesday called Russia’s Chargé d’affaires in India after the deaths of four Indian merchant sailors after the Russian strike on the MV Golden Leo off the coast of Ukraine. This is one of the most serious reactions by India concerning any incident involving its citizens in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Minister of External Affairs said that the merchant vessel which flew Guinea-Bissau flag was hit while leaving Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa. There were 17 people on board the ship, out of which five belonged to India. Four Indians died in the incident, and the fifth is currently in a hospital with his health in grave condition. It is for the first time that there has been a death of Indian merchant seafarers in Russia-Ukraine war.
In its statement, the MEA firmly condemned the attack and added that it was totally unacceptable to target civilians and commercial shipping. India also expressed its condolences to the families of the dead men and assured help to the wounded man.
According to government sources, the Russian diplomat was summoned to convey India’s protest regarding the incident and also seek an explanation. It highlights New Delhi’s worries about the security of Indians who work onboard such ships in conflict zones.
The latest attack has once again brought global attention to the danger of shipping lanes in the Black Sea region, where there is a high risk of attacks on such ships in times of war. As per the Ukrainian authorities, the ship was targeted by Russian cruise missiles in the maritime lane close to the port of Odesa.
While the probe into the incident is still underway, India is stressing the need for ensuring the security of its citizens and also securing such ships sailing through conflict zones. It has been highlighted by the deadly attack that Indian sailors serving on international merchant ships in risky zones have a high risk of getting attacked.
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