India has strongly condemned the missile strike on the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine’s Odesa port, which killed four Indian seafarers and left one critically injured. The Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as “unacceptable” and a violation of international maritime norms.
On July 21, 2026, the Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov was summoned to New Delhi, where India lodged a formal diplomatic protest. Officials conveyed grave concern over the targeting of civilian shipping and demanded accountability for the loss of innocent lives.
The MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship carrying grain, was struck by Russian cruise missiles on July 19 while departing Odesa. The strike triggered a fire onboard, leading to multiple casualties among the 17 crew members, including nine others and a Ukrainian pilot.
India’s mission in Ukraine is assisting the injured crew member and coordinating the repatriation of the deceased seafarers. Condolences have been extended to the families of the victims, with assurances of full support.
The government reiterated its call for the protection of civilian shipping and freedom of navigation, stressing that maritime safety is a global responsibility. India urged an immediate end to attacks that endanger lives and disrupt international trade.
This marks the first time Indian nationals have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working in global shipping routes already strained by recent maritime hostilities.
