External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday reiterated India’s “strong concern” over the safety of Indian seafarers during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila, days after an attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo claimed the lives of four Indian nationals.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ meetings, included a review of bilateral ties and discussions on key regional and global developments.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, “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.”
He said the two leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-Russia partnership, 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 on X that Lavrov and Jaishankar held talks in Manila.
Jaishankar is in the Philippine capital to participate in the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
The meeting came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov over the July 19 attack on MV Golden Leo, conveying India’s “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” of the incident.
In a statement, the MEA said attacks targeting commercial shipping undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce.
“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, emphasizing that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce,” the ministry said.
The MEA said the Russian diplomat was asked to convey India’s concerns to Moscow, stressing that attacks on commercial shipping and the loss of innocent civilian lives are unacceptable.
According to the ministry, the vessel was departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa on Sunday evening when it came under attack. Of the 17 crew members on board, five were Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed in the incident, while another sustained critical injuries.
The Ukrainian Navy accused Russia of carrying out a missile strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged grain carrier, alleging that three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles struck the vessel as it was leaving the combat zone. According to the Ukrainian Navy, the attack hit the starboard side of the ship’s superstructure, triggering a fire, after which rescue operations were launched.
The MEA reiterated that the safety of civilian shipping and freedom of navigation must be protected in accordance with international norms.
(With ANI inputs)
