- India summoned Russian diplomat in Delhi on Tuesday.
- Four Indian seafarers died in Ukraine coast attack.
- Merchant vessel incident led to diplomatic action.
New Delhi: India on Tuesday summoned Russia's Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov after an attack on a merchant vessel off the Ukraine coast, which led to the deaths of four Indian seafarers, news agency PTI reported, citing its sources.
A video was also shared by the news agency showing the top diplomat entering the Ministry of External Affairs office in the national capital. "Today, the Russian Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Vladimir Ladanov, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry conveyed India's grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo on 19 July 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of four Indian lives, emphasizing that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce," according to the statement released by the MEA.
#WATCH | Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summons Russian Charge d'Affaires (CDA) Vladimir Ladanov. pic.twitter.com/6t5wBRm6UZ
— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2026
"The Russian Chargé d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives are unacceptable and must be avoided," added the statement
What is a diplomatic summons?
When a country summons a diplomat, it is a formal diplomatic protest to register deep displeasure, deliver an official warning (démarche), or demand an explanation for a controversial action.
During the meeting, officials typically deliver a stern reprimand, demand an explanation, or hand over a formal written protest known as a note verbale.
Summoning is a routine diplomatic mechanism used to keep channels open. However, if relations severely deteriorate or the diplomat refuses to cooperate, the host country may escalate by recalling its own ambassador for consultations, formally expelling the diplomat (persona non grata), or severing diplomatic ties altogether.
Why does India summon the Russian diplomat?
The diplomatic protest from the Indian side came a day after atleast four Indian nationals on board a merchant vessel were killed in an attack on the ship when it was leaving Ukraine's Odesa port. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday, it confirmed that the vessel -- M V Golden Leo -- had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.
India condemns attack on sailors
India condemned the attack and reiterated that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is "deplorable and should be avoided". New Delhi, however, did not clarify who carried out the attack when it released the press note.
The MEA said the Indian mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery," it said in a statement.
Without directly naming Russia, the MEA had said: "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."
(With inputs from agency)