New Delhi, July 21, 2026 — India on Monday condemned a missile attack on a civilian cargo ship near the Ukrainian port of Odessa that killed four Indian seafarers and left one critically injured, marking the first deaths of Indian nationals among crew members in the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) identified the vessel as MV Golden Leo, which was departing from Odessa when it was struck on the evening of July 19, 2026. Of the 17 crew members on board, five were Indian nationals. Four Indians lost their lives in the incident, while the fifth is hospitalised in critical condition.
“Deplorable” Attack
In a strongly worded statement, the MEA said India opposes attacks on merchant vessels, which violate the freedom of navigation and endanger innocent civilian crew. “India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry stated.
Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia for the strike on the civilian vessel navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor. He noted that the crew included citizens of Syria and India, and that a Ukrainian maritime pilot was also killed. Sybiha described the incident as part of a pattern, citing another attack on a merchant vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda the previous day. Ukraine has informed the International Maritime Organization and relevant governments about the attacks.
A photograph released by the Ukrainian Navy showed the destroyed vessel on the Black Sea following the alleged Russian missile strike.
According to Maritime Trade News, the ship carried a crew of Syrian and Indian nationals, with reports suggesting at least 10 sailors may have been killed in total. Russian authorities are yet to comment on the incident.
Broader Context
The tragedy comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. It also follows several incidents involving Indian seafarers in the Gulf region due to U.S. and Iranian actions on commercial vessels.
The MEA is in contact with Ukrainian authorities and is providing necessary assistance to the affected families. The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Indian seafarers operating in conflict zones and the importance of protecting civilian maritime trade routes.
This is the latest in a series of strikes that have exposed vulnerabilities in maritime security in the Black Sea region since the start of the full-scale war. India has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict while consistently calling for dialogue and the protection of civilians and international norms.