MEA Summons Russian Diplomat After Attack on Odesa-Bound Vessel Kills 4 Indians
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires after the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19. Four Indian nationals were killed in the incident, while another was critically injured.
According to the MEA, the vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals.
As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to 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.
— Ministry of External Affairs
MEA also said, “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.”
According to Ukrainian authorities, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck by Russian cruise missiles, causing a fire. The Ukraine Air Force said three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles were launched by Russian forces, with one striking the vessel’s starboard side.
Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, said, “Throughout the day, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continued carrying out strikes against Ukrainian ports and vessels operating in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).”
The Russian ministry said its forces used anti-ship Oniks missiles, air-launched cruise missiles and loitering munitions to target port infrastructure. It also claimed that “two bulk carriers carrying military cargo” were among the targets near the Port of Odesa.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of civilian commercial shipping and seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters.
