India on Tuesday lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Russia after four Indian seafarers were killed in a missile strike on a merchant vessel near Ukraine's Odesa port. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi and conveyed that the deaths caused by the strike were "unacceptable," marking one of India's strongest responses to an incident involving its citizens during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The merchant vessel, MV Golden Leo, flagged to Guinea-Bissau, came under attack on the evening of July 19 while departing Ukraine's Odesa port. According to reports, the ship was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indian sailors were killed in the attack, while the fifth sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Reports indicate that the vessel was manned primarily by Indian and Syrian crew members and was struck by three cruise missiles, triggering a massive fire onboard. Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the vessel after the strike, although these visuals have not been independently verified.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Indian lives and assured that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation while extending all possible assistance to those affected.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wish the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery," the MEA said in an official statement.
Without directly naming Russia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly condemned attacks on civilian maritime traffic.
"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," he said.
According to government sources, Indian officials made it clear during the diplomatic meeting that any military action resulting in the deaths of Indian civilians was unacceptable.
Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the civilian cargo vessel as it sailed through the country's designated maritime corridor in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the attack was carried out by Russian forces, while Ukraine's Air Force stated that Russian cruise missiles struck the vessel. If confirmed, the incident would mark the first time Indian seafarers have been killed since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.
The attack occurred near Odesa, Ukraine's largest Black Sea port and a critical hub for the country's exports of grain, metals, chemicals and other commodities. Since the outbreak of the war, Odesa has remained one of the most strategically significant cities and has repeatedly come under Russian missile and drone attacks.
Just last week, another strike in the city reportedly killed two people, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for faster implementation of international support aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities.
The continued targeting of Odesa underscores the persistent security challenges facing commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea despite designated maritime corridors intended to facilitate civilian shipping.
The deaths of the four Indian sailors mark a tragic milestone in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and highlight the increasing dangers faced by civilian seafarers working aboard merchant vessels in active conflict zones.
The incident has also renewed global concerns over the safety of international commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where cargo vessels continue to operate amid ongoing military operations. For India, one of the world's largest suppliers of merchant navy personnel, the tragedy raises fresh questions about the protection of Indian seafarers employed on international shipping routes passing through high-risk regions.
With New Delhi registering a formal diplomatic protest and seeking accountability, the incident is expected to remain a significant issue in India's engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while reinforcing its long-standing call for the protection of civilians and freedom of navigation during armed conflicts.
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