India has strongly raised concerns over the safety of its merchant seafarers after four Indian crew members were killed in a Russian missile strike on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. The discussion highlighted India's demand for better protection of civilian merchant mariners operating in conflict zones while reaffirming the broader strength of India-Russia relations.
Jaishankar Russia talks focus on crew safety
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar conveyed India's deep concern over the deaths of the Indian nationals and stressed the importance of protecting civilian merchant shipping. India also summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires, Vladimir Ladanov, to formally communicate its grave concern and condemn attacks affecting commercial vessels.
The incident occurred on July 19 when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying grain from Ukraine's Odesa port, was struck by Russian cruise missiles in the Black Sea. Of the 17 crew members onboard, five were Indian. Four lost their lives, while one remains critically injured. Russia stated that its military targets vessels allegedly transporting military supplies for Ukraine and said it remains in contact with Indian authorities regarding the incident.
Black Sea missile strike raises shipping concerns
The attack has renewed international attention on the risks faced by merchant shipping in conflict-affected waters. India reiterated that civilian mariners should not become casualties of armed conflicts and emphasized the importance of protecting global sea lanes that support international trade.
The government has consistently maintained that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping are essential for global economic stability. With thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo vessels, ensuring their security remains a high priority for New Delhi.
India Russia relations remain strategically important
Beyond the maritime security issue, Jaishankar and Lavrov reviewed several aspects of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. According to the official Indian readout, the ministers discussed trade and investment, energy cooperation, connectivity projects, science and technology, and greater mobility for skilled professionals.
Both countries continue working toward expanding bilateral trade to the $100 billion target. Major initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route remain central to efforts aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
The ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and developments across the Gulf and West Asia. India reaffirmed its long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best path toward resolving international disputes while stressing the need to safeguard civilian lives and critical maritime routes.
BRICS Summit 2026 expected to strengthen cooperation
The meeting comes ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India. The expanded BRICS grouping continues to provide both countries with opportunities to deepen cooperation on trade, economic resilience and global governance.
While the tragic loss of Indian seafarers dominated the discussions, both governments signaled their intention to maintain strong strategic engagement across multiple sectors. India has made it clear that protecting its citizens working at sea will remain a priority even as it continues to pursue diplomatic engagement with Russia and advocates peaceful solutions to ongoing international conflicts.
