India Summons Russian Diplomat After Cargo Ship Missile Attack Kills 4 Indian Sailors (Video)
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi following a missile strike on a commercial cargo ship departing Ukraine’s Odesa port, which resulted in the deaths of four Indian nationals and left another critically injured.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi following a missile strike on a commercial cargo ship departing Ukraine’s Odesa port, which resulted in the deaths of four Indian nationals and left another critically injured. The incident occurred on the evening of July 19 when the commercial vessel MV Golden Leo was struck while departing Odesa. According to official details, the vessel was carrying 17 crew members at the time, including five Indian nationals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MEA strongly condemned the attack and emphasized the need to protect commercial shipping routes. "As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition," the ministry stated. "Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected." 4 Indian Nationals Killed and One Critically Injured in Attack on Vessel Golden Leo at Odesa Port in Ukraine: MEA.
India reiterated its position against targeting non-combatant vessels, noting that endangering civilian crews and obstructing freedom of navigation and maritime commerce is unacceptable and must be avoided. Reports from the Ukrainian Air Force indicate that Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles during the operation. One missile struck the starboard side of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged, Turkish-owned vessel, triggering a major fire onboard. In total, 10 people were reported killed in the strike. Keralam CM Directs NORKA to Seek Details from MEA, Russian Consulate After Malayali Man Dies in Ukrainian Ship Attack.
India Summons Russian Envoy After 4 Seafarers Killed
India summons senior Russian diplomat after four Indian seafarers were killed in a Russian missile strike on the bulk carrier MV Golden Leo departing Ukraine's Odesa port. pic.twitter.com/nUH89po4dj
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2026
The attack highlights the ongoing safety risks faced by civilian merchant ships operating in the Black Sea trade corridors amidst the continuing war in Ukraine. Indian diplomatic authorities confirmed they remain in contact with local officials to facilitate care for the injured crew member and assist with the repatriation of the deceased.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 10:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
