New Delhi: India has issued a strong condemnation following a deadly attack on a commercial cargo ship departing from the Odesa port in Ukraine, which claimed the lives of four Indian nationals and left another critically injured.
The incident took place on the evening of July 19 2026 when the merchant vessel MV GOLDEN LEO was targeted. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the ship was carrying a total of 17 crew members, including five Indians. The unprovoked strike resulted in the tragic death of four Indian sailors, while the fifth is currently battling severe injuries in a local hospital.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families, the Indian government categorized the targeting of commercial vessels as completely unacceptable. In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that risking the lives of innocent civilian crew members and disrupting the freedom of maritime navigation and global trade cannot be tolerated. The Indian Embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is providing all possible consular assistance to the victims.
This attack has once again raised serious concerns regarding the safety of civilian maritime operations in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict. It marks one of the most severe incidents involving Indian seafarers in international waters in recent years, sending ripples of anxiety across the global shipping community.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has directly blamed Russia for the deadly strike. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated that the attack occurred within the designated maritime corridor of Ukraine and claimed the life of a Ukrainian marine pilot alongside the Indian crew members. He alleged that Syrian citizens were also on board the vessel. Ukraine condemned the act as a direct assault on the global food supply chain and the freedom of international trade, accusing the attacking forces of having absolutely no regard for human life.
Highlighting a dangerous pattern of aggression, Ukrainian authorities noted that another foreign cargo vessel had been attacked in the Black Sea just a day prior, resulting in one death and three injuries. Kiev has announced plans to escalate the matter to the International Maritime Organization and its international allies, pushing for strict disciplinary actions and fresh sanctions.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, India continues to firmly advocate for the immediate cessation of violence and the urgent need to ensure the absolute safety of international shipping routes.
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