India summoned a senior Russian diplomat on Tuesday to express “grave concerns” following a missile strike that killed four Indian nationals aboard a cargo ship in the Black Sea. The ship, the Golden Leo, flagged from Guinea-Bissau and crewed by personnel from India and Syria, was reportedly hit by three Russian cruise missiles while departing a Ukrainian port, resulting in a total of ten fatalities.
Vladimir Ladanov, the Russian chargé d’affaires, was called to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry conveyed India’s strong objections to the targeting of commercial vessels, labeling the loss of civilian lives as “unacceptable.” They emphasized that such attacks jeopardize the safety and stability of international maritime commerce.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia is maintaining communication with India, asserting that their military actions are directed at vessels transporting ammunition and weaponry for Ukraine. The Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd.
India has previously faced losses of seafarers in conflicts, including the Iran war, and has lodged protests with both the U.S. and Iran regarding these incidents.
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