'In touch with Indian partners': Kremlin responds after Indian seafarers killed in Russian strike

The Kremlin on Monday said it is "in touch with Indian partners" following reports that Indian seafarers were killed in a Russian strike, as New Delhi continues to engage with Moscow over the incident.

Responding to questions from reporters, Kremlin officials expressed condolences over the reported deaths and said Russian authorities were maintaining communication with their Indian counterparts regarding the circumstances surrounding the strike.

Kremlin confirms contact with India

Speaking on the matter, the Kremlin said discussions with Indian authorities were ongoing.

"We are in touch with our Indian partners," a Kremlin spokesperson said, while declining to elaborate on the details of the communication or the investigation.

The statement comes amid heightened concern over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels operating in conflict-affected regions.

India monitoring the situation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also been closely monitoring the developments and is in touch with Russian authorities to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.

Indian officials are understood to be coordinating with diplomatic missions and local authorities to verify the identities of the victims, assist affected families and seek a detailed account of the circumstances that led to the fatalities.

The government has assured that all necessary assistance will be extended to the families of the deceased.

Calls for accountability

The deaths of the Indian seafarers have sparked concern over the risks faced by civilian maritime workers in areas affected by ongoing hostilities.

Officials are expected to seek further clarification from Russian authorities as investigations into the strike continue.

The incident has also renewed focus on maritime safety and the need for enhanced protection of civilian crews operating in international waters near conflict zones.

Investigation continues

Russian authorities have not yet released a detailed account of the strike or confirmed the sequence of events that resulted in the deaths of the Indian crew members.

As both countries remain in contact, further information is expected to emerge following the completion of official inquiries.

The incident is likely to remain a key issue in diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Moscow in the coming days.