Four Indian citizens killed in Russian strike on ship in Black Sea. India’s Foreign Ministry summons senior Russian diplomat.

India’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires Vladimir Ladanov and expressed “serious concern” over the deaths of Indian citizens in a Russian strike on a cargo ship.

The ministry said attacks on commercial vessels and the resulting deaths of innocent civilians “are unacceptable and must be avoided.”

Ukrainian authorities reported that on July 19, Russian forces struck the cargo vessel Golden Leo with a missile in the Black Sea off the coast of Odesa. The ship, sailing under a Guinea-Bissau flag, had been leaving the port of Odesa after loading corn when one of the missiles hit the starboard side of the superstructure, setting the vessel on fire.

There were 17 crew members on board — citizens of Syria and India, along with a Ukrainian pilot. Ten people were killed: nine crew members and the Ukrainian pilot. Survivors were brought to Odesa.

India’s Foreign Ministry said four Indian citizens were killed and one was wounded, in critical condition.

Russia has not commented.

Russian forces have been regularly striking vessels off the coast of Odesa region. Russia’s Defense Ministry claims the ships are being used “in the interests” of the Ukrainian armed forces. According to Odesa region authorities, the strikes have also targeted commercial vessels belonging to foreign states.