NEW DELHI: India has summoned the Russian Charge d’Affaires following a missile strike on the cargo vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine’s Odesa port that claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers and left another critically injured. The diplomatic move came after the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the deaths and strongly condemned attacks that endanger civilian lives and commercial shipping.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 19 as the vessel was leaving Odesa. The ship had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed in the strike, while the fifth suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalised in critical condition. Indian officials said the country’s mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to those affected.
India expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured crew member a speedy recovery. It also reiterated its firm opposition to attacks on commercial vessels, stating that targeting innocent civilian crew members and disrupting freedom of navigation and international commerce is unacceptable.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the Turkish owned cargo ship, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck shortly after departing Odesa. Ukraine said Russian forces launched three Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles, with one missile hitting the vessel’s starboard side and triggering a fire. Reports indicated that 10 people were killed in the attack, including the four Indian nationals, while eight sailors were rescued and taken to a hospital in Odesa.
Russia, however, maintained that its military operation targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure and vessels allegedly supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian Defence Ministry said it used anti ship Oniks missiles, air launched cruise missiles and loitering munitions in strikes against what it described as military related maritime targets, including bulk carriers anchored near the Port of Odesa.
