New Delhi, July 21, 2026 — India on Monday condemned the missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo near the Ukrainian port of Odessa that killed four Indian seafarers and left another critically injured, marking the first reported deaths of Indian nationals in the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessel was attacked on the evening of July 19, 2026, while departing Odessa, Ukraine’s largest Black Sea port. Of the 17 crew members on board, five were Indian nationals. Four Indians lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in critical condition.
“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 MEA stated.
Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia for the strike, describing it as an attack on a civilian vessel navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor. He noted that the crew included citizens of Syria and India, and a Ukrainian maritime pilot was also killed. Sybiha added that Russia had attacked another merchant vessel (flagged by Antigua and Barbuda) in the Black Sea on Saturday. Ukraine has informed the International Maritime Organization and relevant governments about the incidents.
A photograph released by the Ukrainian Navy showed the destroyed civilian cargo ship *Golden Leo* following the alleged Russian missile strike. Russian authorities are yet to comment on the incident. Reports suggested at least 10 sailors may have been killed in total.
**Context of Rising Maritime Threats**
The incident comes amid continuing attacks on commercial vessels in various conflict zones, including those in the Gulf involving the U.S. and Iran, which have also claimed the lives of Indian seafarers. The MEA has repeatedly emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and the protection of civilian maritime personnel.
The tragedy has highlighted vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s maritime corridors and gaps in air defences, as seen in recent Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities.
India maintains diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while prioritising the safety of its citizens abroad. The MEA is coordinating with Ukrainian authorities for the repatriation of the deceased and medical care for the injured seafarer.
This latest loss adds to the growing concerns over the risks faced by thousands of Indian seafarers employed in international waters amid ongoing global conflicts.