India Condemns Russian Strike That Killed 4 Indian Seafarers; Ship Was Carrying Grain
India has confirmed that the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which was struck while leaving Ukraine's Odesa port, was carrying grain when it was attacked. The strike claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers, with one critically injured.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said information from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration showed that the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel had loaded grain before departing Odesa on July 19. The ministry reiterated India's position that commercial ships and civilian sailors should never be targeted under any circumstances.
“We once again reiterate that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances. EAM had made this position clear in the EAS and ARF meetings and reiterated with Russian FM Lavrov,” spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The attack took place on the evening of July 19 as the ship was departing Odesa. According to the MEA, there were 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals. Four Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition.
The ministry strongly condemned the strike, stating that “targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided.”
Ukraine’s Navy accused Russia of carrying out the attack using three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles. Ukrainian authorities said the strike killed 10 crew members in total—four Indians and six Syrians. The vessel was a civilian bulk carrier flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau and owned by Turkey.
Despite India’s protest, the Kremlin defended the attack. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow remained in touch with New Delhi over the deaths but insisted Russian forces would continue targeting vessels they believed were supporting Ukraine’s military.
“We continue our contacts with our Indian partners, we clarify our position, and most importantly, our armed forces are striking and will continue to strike those vessels that are involved in transporting ammunition, weapons, and so on for the purposes of the Kyiv regime,” Peskov said.
Following the deaths, India summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to register a formal protest. The incident marks the first known case of Indian seafarers being killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. The MEA conveyed its “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” over the attack, calling it a serious threat to international maritime trade.
