NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday summoned Russian diplomat over the killing of four Indians on board a merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine, reported news agency PTI citing sources.Four Indian nationals were killed after a commercial vessel, MV Golden Leo, came under attack while departing Ukraine’s port of Odesa on Sunday, the Indian government confirmed. One more Indian crew member remains in critical condition.According to the government, the vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked.India strongly condemned the strike, saying attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members were unacceptable.India, in a statement, said, “As per the information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected.”The government also reiterated that targeting commercial vessels, endangering civilian seafarers and disrupting freedom of navigation and international trade was deplorable and should be avoided.One of those killed has been identified as 26-year-old merchant navy officer Akhil Joyan from Vellarikkundu in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. His family was informed of his death by the shipping company through an email on Monday.Akhil had recently returned home on leave, got engaged and had resumed duty only a month ago.According to a Reuters report, Ukrainian officials said a Russian missile strike hit a ship carrying corn near the southern port of Odesa, killing 10 people.
