India Condemns Death of Four Indian Sailors in Russian Missile Strike Near Ukraine, Summons Russian Diplomat

India on Tuesday lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Russia after four Indian nationals were killed in a missile strike on a commercial cargo vessel near Ukraine's Black Sea coast. Calling the incident "unacceptable," New Delhi summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires and demanded accountability over the attack, marking one of its strongest responses to an incident involving Indian citizens since the Russia-Ukraine war began.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attack on the merchant vessel posed a serious threat to civilian lives and international maritime security. In its official statement, India condemned the targeting of commercial shipping, stressing that innocent civilian crew members should never become victims of armed conflict. The government reiterated that freedom of navigation and the safety of merchant vessels must be respected under international law.

The vessel, identified as MV Golden Leo, was reportedly departing Ukraine's Odesa port when it was struck by Russian cruise missiles. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship was carrying a multinational crew, including five Indian seafarers. Four Indians lost their lives in the attack, while another sustained serious injuries. In total, ten people aboard the vessel were killed, making it one of the deadliest attacks involving Indian merchant navy personnel since the conflict began.

Following the incident, India summoned Russia's senior diplomat in New Delhi to convey its "grave concern and unequivocal condemnation." The MEA emphasized that attacks on civilian commercial vessels undermine global maritime trade and threaten the safety and stability of international shipping routes. Responding to India's protest, the Kremlin said it remains in contact with New Delhi regarding the incident. However, Russian officials maintained that military operations targeting vessels suspected of supporting Ukraine's war effort would continue, highlighting the difficult security environment in the Black Sea region.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the growing risks faced by merchant sailors operating in conflict zones. Thousands of Indian seafarers work aboard international cargo ships that transport essential goods across global trade routes, often passing through regions affected by military hostilities. Industry experts say attacks on commercial shipping not only endanger civilian lives but also disrupt global supply chains, increase insurance costs and impact international trade.

India has consistently maintained a balanced diplomatic position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, urging dialogue and peaceful resolution while preserving ties with both Moscow and Kyiv. However, the deaths of four Indian sailors have prompted an unusually firm diplomatic response, underscoring New Delhi's commitment to protecting its citizens working overseas. As investigations continue and diplomatic engagement between India and Russia progresses, the focus remains on establishing the circumstances surrounding the strike and strengthening safeguards for civilian vessels operating in conflict-affected waters.