Jaishankar Meets Lavrov: Raises Concern Over Four Indian Sailors’ Deaths in Ukraine

Jaishankar Raises Sailors’ Safety Concerns With Lavrov

IIE DIGITAL: The death of four Indian sailors in a reported Russian attack on a cargo ship at a Ukrainian port has raised concerns in New Delhi. Days after summoning the Russian ambassador over the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. During the meeting, Jaishankar is believed to have raised India’s concerns over the safety of its sailors.

Jaishankar later referred to the meeting in a post on X, saying that he conveyed India’s concerns about the safety of Indian sailors in the Gulf region. The two ministers also discussed several other issues, including trade, commerce, investment, energy, science and technology. They exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the meeting, stating that Lavrov held talks with Jaishankar in Manila.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the incident took place on July 19, when the ‘Golden Lion’, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship carrying corn, came under attack while leaving Ukraine’s Odesa port. The vessel had 17 crew members on board. Shortly after departing the port, three missiles reportedly struck the ship, sparking a fire and sending thick black smoke into the sky.

Ukrainian authorities said the attack killed nine crew members and one pilot, including four Indian nationals. Another Indian sailor was seriously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment. Ukraine has alleged that Russia was behind the attack.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of Indian sailors working on vessels operating in the region. Against this backdrop, Jaishankar’s meeting with Lavrov has assumed significance, with the two sides also discussing wider regional developments and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.