Russian embassy alleges cargo ship detained in Kerala, demands explanation
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New Delhi: The Russian embassy approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday over a cargo ship detained in Cochin port.
The embassy said it is aware of the Russian cargo ship's detention in the Indian port of Cochin and further demanded an "explanation" for the circumstances of the incident. The MEA did not issue an immediate response.
The ship carries military cargo for the Indian armed forces.
Russia further said their preliminary information shows that the detention is connected with the claim of the Estonian shore service company Bunker Partner OU that the owners of the ship allegedly had a debt.
"The Russian Consulate General in Chennai is seized of the matter. We would like to underline that the court allowed the unloading of cargo since it has nothing to do with the lawsuit," said the embassy.
The statement from the embassy added that it had asked MEA to ensure unconditional observance of the rights of the Russian ship owners and the crew.
According to websites tracking merchant shipping, the Russian vessel, MV MAIA-1, sailed from Novorossiysk port in Russia on June 25 and arrived at Cochin this week after calling at ports in Turkey and Egypt. The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered that the ship be seized over alleged non-payment of fuel charges amounting to ₹1.87 crores (USD 23,503).
After the Estonian company approached the court, it said: "After going through the plaint, and the affidavit attached with it, the court is satisfied with prima facie case, warranting an ex parte order of arrest." The court added that the ship can be detained until the dues are cleared.