India raises seafarer safety with Russia after sailors killed in Black Sea attack

India's top diplomat, S. Jaishankar, directly confronted Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea. This meeting occurred just days after a Russian attack killed four Indian sailors aboard the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo. The attack, which also injured another Indian seafarer, prompted India to summon Russia's chargé d'affaires to convey its "unequivocal condemnation."

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Reiterated our strong concern regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region

Jaishankar conveyed India's "strong concern regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region" after his meeting with Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN-related gatherings in Manila. The two ministers also reviewed bilateral ties, discussing cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity, alongside exchanging views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation.

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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

India has consistently backed dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. New Delhi has also highlighted the war's detrimental effects on fuel, fertilizer, and food supplies, particularly impacting the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously stated that this is "not an era of war," emphasizing that peace talks cannot succeed under duress.

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India’s grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation