India recalls its ambassador to Ukraine in protest over the targeting of the commercial vessel MV Omurfi

New Delhi, July 27 (KUNA) -- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Ukrainian Ambassador to New Delhi Oleksandr Bulychuk on Monday to protest the attack on the commercial vessel MV Omurfi as it transited the Black Sea. In a statement, the ministry said it had summoned Ambassador Bulychuk to its headquarters in connection with the attack on the MV Omurfi, which resulted in the death of an Indian citizen. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident and strongly condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping, emphasizing their negative repercussions on the safety of maritime navigation, freedom of navigation, and international trade. New Delhi asked Ambassador Bulychuk to convey India’s grave concerns to the Ukrainian authorities regarding the targeting of commercial vessels, reiterating that such acts endangering the lives of innocent civilian seafarers are unacceptable and must be avoided. India had already strongly condemned on Friday last week the attack on the MV Omurfi during its passage through the Black Sea, which led to the death of an Indian national. The ship was carrying a crew of 10, including three Indians, when it was attacked inside Russian territorial waters on July 18. (End) A.T.K./M.A.A.