India has summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in an attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine’s Black Sea coast. The incident has triggered a strong diplomatic response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping and called for greater protection of civilian maritime operations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India Registers Strong Diplomatic Protest Over Seafarers’ Deaths
According to officials familiar with the matter, India called in the Russian diplomat to express its grave concern over the incident that occurred as the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel MV Golden Leo departed Ukraine’s port of Odesa. The ship reportedly carried 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed in the strike, while another Indian crew member sustained critical injuries and was hospitalised. The MEA reiterated that attacks on civilian merchant vessels threaten innocent lives, global trade and freedom of navigation.
Attack Raises Fresh Concerns Over Maritime Security
Ukrainian authorities alleged that the vessel was struck by multiple cruise missiles, causing a fire onboard. The attack also claimed the lives of several other crew members and a Ukrainian maritime pilot. The Odesa region and the Black Sea export corridor have witnessed intensified hostilities in recent weeks, increasing risks for international commercial shipping operating in the area. India described the targeting of merchant vessels during armed conflicts as unacceptable and urged all parties to avoid actions that endanger civilian crews.
Safety of Indian Seafarers Comes Into Focus
The latest tragedy marks the first reported deaths of Indian seafarers linked directly to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It also follows recent incidents involving Indian crew members affected by attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting New Delhi to raise similar concerns with other countries. The Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Indian nationals working aboard international merchant ships while continuing diplomatic engagement on maritime security and civilian safety.
