India has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a merchant vessel near Ukraine's Odesa port that claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers, escalating the diplomatic response by summoning Russia's Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi to convey its grave concerns.
The incident involved the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel that was struck shortly after departing Ukraine's southern port of Odesa. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), four Indian crew members lost their lives, while another Indian national sustained critical injuries and is receiving medical treatment. The vessel's multinational crew also included Syrian nationals, and the attack resulted in multiple casualties.
In a strongly worded statement, the MEA said India unequivocally condemns attacks on commercial shipping and stressed that innocent civilian crew members must never become victims of armed conflict. The ministry reiterated that freedom of navigation and the safety of international maritime commerce must be respected under all circumstances.
Following the incident, the Indian government summoned Vladimir Ladanov, Russia's Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi, and formally conveyed its "grave concerns" over the attack. Officials told the Russian diplomat that targeting merchant vessels and causing civilian casualties is unacceptable and undermines the security and stability of global maritime trade.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the MV Golden Leo was struck by cruise missiles while sailing through Ukraine's maritime corridor in the Black Sea after leaving Odesa. Russia has maintained that its military operations target vessels it believes are transporting military-related cargo, while India has focused its response on the protection of civilian seafarers and commercial shipping rather than the broader military claims surrounding the conflict.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian seafarers since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Thousands of Indian nationals work aboard international merchant vessels operating across conflict-prone maritime routes, making their safety an increasing concern for Indian authorities. The latest incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by civilian maritime workers navigating active war zones.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it is extending all possible assistance to the affected families and remains in contact with relevant authorities regarding the injured Indian crew member. India has also reiterated its longstanding position that disputes should not endanger civilian lives or disrupt international commercial shipping.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to affect Black Sea shipping routes, the attack on the MV Golden Leo is expected to draw further international attention to maritime security and the protection of civilian crews. India is likely to continue monitoring the situation closely while pursuing diplomatic engagement to ensure accountability and safeguard its citizens working in global shipping.