Jaishankar raises concerns with Lavrov over Indian seafarer safety after MV Golden Leo attack killed four nationals and intensified maritime security worries, reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday raised India’s concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers following the deadly attack on commercial vessel MV Golden Leo, which resulted in the deaths of four Indian nationals.
During talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila, Jaishankar reiterated India’s “strong concern” over the security of Indian crew members in the region as both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed key global and regional developments.
Sharing details of the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: “An in-depth review of our bilateral relations with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Reiterated our strong concern regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.”
The External Affairs Minister said discussions covered several areas of India-Russia cooperation, including trade and investment, energy and connectivity, science and technology, and mobility.
“Discussed various aspects of our partnership, including trade & investment, energy & connectivity, science & technology, and mobility. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation,” Jaishankar said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the meeting, stating that Lavrov and Jaishankar held talks in Manila on the sidelines of ASEAN-related foreign ministerial meetings.
Jaishankar is participating in a series of multilateral engagements in Manila, including the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
The meeting came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov over the attack on MV Golden Leo and conveyed India’s “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” of the incident.
The MEA said the Russian diplomat was informed that attacks targeting commercial shipping threatened the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce.
“Today, the Russian Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Vladimir Ladanov, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry conveyed India’s grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo on 19 July 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of four Indian lives,” the ministry said in a statement.
India asked the Russian diplomat to convey its concerns to Moscow, stressing that attacks on civilian shipping and the loss of innocent lives were unacceptable.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when MV Golden Leo was attacked while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa. The vessel had 17 crew members onboard, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed, while another Indian crew member was reported to be critically injured.
The vessel was carrying grain cargo and was flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau.
The Ukrainian Navy accused Russia of carrying out the attack, claiming the ship was struck by three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles while leaving the combat zone.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the strike hit the starboard side of the ship’s superstructure, causing a fire onboard. Rescue operations were launched by naval units and maritime search and rescue teams.
India has reiterated that the safety of civilian shipping and freedom of navigation must be protected in accordance with international norms, while continuing diplomatic engagement with all concerned parties.
