Four Indian nationals serving as crew members on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo were killed after the ship was struck by missiles while departing Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa on July 19. One more Indian crew member sustained critical injuries.
The Guinea Bissau flagged cargo vessel, owned by a Mumbai based shipping company, was carrying a crew of 17 members, including five Indians and several Syrian nationals. Ukrainian authorities said the vessel was hit by three cruise missiles, triggering a fire that caused heavy casualties. A total of 10 people were reported killed in the attack. Ukraine has blamed Russia for the strike.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack, describing the targeting of commercial shipping and the loss of civilian lives as unacceptable. The MEA summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest and express India’s grave concern over the incident.
In response, the Kremlin said it is in contact with Indian authorities following the deaths of the four seafarers. Russia stated it would continue communicating with New Delhi regarding the incident, though it has not accepted responsibility for the strike.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. India has reiterated its call for the protection of civilian ships and freedom of international maritime navigation during armed conflicts.
