New Delhi: India has strongly protested to Russia after four Indian sailors were killed in a missile attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea near Ukraine. The government summoned Russia's senior diplomat in New Delhi and sought an explanation over the deaths of the Indian nationals, marking one of the strongest diplomatic responses by India since the Russia Ukraine war began.
The attack took place on July 19 when the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo, sailing under the Guinea Bissau flag, was leaving the Ukrainian port of Odesa with a shipment of corn. According to Ukrainian authorities, the vessel was hit by three cruise missiles shortly after departing the port. The strike caused heavy damage to the ship and resulted in multiple casualties among the crew.
The vessel was operated by Mumbai based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd and had a crew of 17 members, including five Indian nationals, Syrian sailors and a Ukrainian maritime pilot. Rescue teams rushed to the area after the attack and carried out overnight search operations.
The latest official information confirms that four Indian sailors lost their lives in the strike, while another Indian crew member suffered serious injuries and remains in critical condition. The total death toll has reached 10, including Indian crew members, Syrian sailors and the Ukrainian pilot. Eight other crew members were rescued during the operation.
One of the Indian sailors who died was a 26 year old merchant navy officer from Kerala. Reports said he was preparing for his wedding, which had been scheduled in the coming weeks. His death has brought widespread grief to his family and community.
Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Russia's Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi and conveyed India's strong protest over the deaths of its citizens. The ministry described the attack on a civilian merchant vessel as deeply disturbing and sought a detailed explanation from the Russian side.
India also stressed that attacks on commercial ships carrying civilian cargo threaten the safety of international shipping and violate the principle of freedom of navigation. Officials said the safety of Indian nationals working on merchant vessels remains a matter of highest priority for the government.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India expects all countries involved in the conflict to ensure the safety of civilian shipping and innocent seafarers operating in international waters. It added that India is closely monitoring the condition of the injured crew member and is extending all possible assistance to the affected families.
Ukraine has blamed Russia for carrying out the missile attack, saying the vessel was struck while transporting agricultural cargo from Odesa. Ukrainian officials described the incident as another example of attacks targeting maritime trade in the Black Sea.
Russia has not issued a detailed public response to India's diplomatic protest. It has also not officially commented on Ukraine's allegation regarding the missile strike. Independent verification of responsibility remains difficult because of the ongoing conflict in the region.
The attack has once again raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Although grain exports from Ukrainian ports have continued despite the war, merchant vessels operating in the region continue to face significant risks due to military activity.
Ukraine is one of the world's leading exporters of grain, and disruptions to shipping routes have repeatedly affected global food supplies and international trade. Maritime experts say attacks on cargo vessels not only endanger the lives of seafarers but also create uncertainty for shipping companies and insurers operating in the region.
India has maintained diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict and has consistently called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the war. At the same time, New Delhi has repeatedly emphasised the safety and welfare of Indian citizens working overseas.
The deaths of the four Indian sailors have added a new and tragic dimension to India's engagement with the conflict. As diplomatic discussions continue, the government is expected to pursue accountability for the attack while ensuring support for the families of those who lost their lives and medical assistance for the injured sailor. The incident has also renewed international concern over the dangers faced by civilian ships operating in one of the world's most volatile maritime regions.