The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it conveyed its “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” to Russian envoy Vladimir Ladanov over the July 19 attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship MV Golden Leo, which was leaving Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa.

According to the ministry, the vessel had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.

Four Indians were killed in the attack, while the fifth was hospitalised in critical condition.

India’s embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to the affected crew member, the ministry said.

The MEA condemned attacks on commercial shipping, saying the targeting of civilian vessels and innocent crew members was unacceptable and threatened the safety of international maritime trade.

“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, Indian officials urged Russia to ensure that commercial vessels are not targeted, stressing that attacks on merchant shipping undermine the safety, security and stability of global maritime commerce.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the MV Golden Leo, owned by a Turkish company, was struck by three Russian cruise missiles shortly after departing Odesa on Sunday evening.

Russia has not immediately commented on the allegations, which could not be independently verified.