India Protests Deaths of 4 Sailors in Russian Attack Near Ukraine

New Delhi has summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires and lodged a strong protest after four Indian merchant navy sailors were killed in a Russian missile strike on a ship near the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The government described the deaths as 'unacceptable'.

The attack targeted a commercial vessel in the Black Sea on Monday. One Indian sailor was critically injured in the strike. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of Indian nationals aboard the ship at the time of the attack.

Diplomatic Response

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing deep shock and sorrow over the incident. The Russian envoy was summoned to convey New Delhi's strong condemnation. The MEA said it has demanded a full investigation and that the injured sailor receive immediate medical care.

Diplomatic sources indicate that India has also asked for the remains of the deceased to be repatriated at the earliest. The government is coordinating with the ship's management company and families of the crew.

Victims Identified

Among the dead, two sailors have been identified. One of them is a merchant navy officer from Kerala. Reports from local media in the state said the man had recently finalised his wedding plans. His family described the voyage as a 'dream trip' that ended in tragedy.

The other identified sailor is from another Indian state. Authorities are working to formally identify the remaining two victims. The critically injured sailor is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Odesa. Indian consular officials are in touch with medical staff.

Attack on Civilian Shipping

The strike occurred as the vessel was reportedly anchored near Odesa, a key Ukrainian port that has been a frequent target of Russian missile attacks. The ship was flying a foreign flag and was engaged in civilian commercial activity. International maritime agencies have condemned the targeting of non-military vessels.

The Black Sea region has seen heightened military activity since the conflict began. Several civilian cargo ships have been hit in recent months, leading to calls for safe passage for commercial shipping. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict without explicitly condemning Russia.

Next Steps

New Delhi is expected to raise this issue at the United Nations and with other international partners. The MEA has set up a dedicated helpline for families of the affected sailors. The government is also reviewing the safety advisories for Indian seafarers in conflict zones.

All eyes will now be on how Russia responds to India's strong diplomatic protest and whether this incident impacts the bilateral relationship between the two countries.