Moscow has sought an explanation from India about the detention of a Russian cargo ship, ferrying weapons for the Indian Navy, in Kochi on Monday under court orders for alleged non-payment of fuel charges to an Estonian firm.

Kerala High Court had on Monday ordered the seizure of MV-MAIA-I for alleged failure to pay fuel charges of Rs 1.87 crore to the Estonian firm, while allowing the ship to unload the cargo during its detention since it was carrying arms for the navy. The case was filed by the holder of the power of attorney for the Estonian company, Bunker Partner OU.

The Russian embassy in New Delhi said it had sent an official request to the Indian external affairs ministry seeking an explanation on the circumstances of the incident. “We have also asked the ministry to ensure unconditional observance of the rights of the Russian shipowners and crew,” the embassy said.

In a statement, the embassy said it was aware of the Russian cargo ship’s detention in Kochi “on board of which a military cargo for the Indian Armed Forces was delivered”.

According to preliminary information with the mission, the detention is connected with the claim of the Estonian shore service company Bunker Partner OU that the owners of the ship had a debt, the Russian embassy noted.

The mission underscored the fact that the cargo was unloaded as it had nothing to do with the lawsuit.