India Summons Russian Diplomat After Missile Attack Near Odesa Kills Four Indian Seafarers

India has summoned Russia's Charge d'Affaires after a Russian missile strike near Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers aboard the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo. Another Indian crew member remains in critical condition following the attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the incident occurred on July 19 as the commercial vessel was departing Odesa. Of the 17 crew members on board, five were Indian nationals. Four lost their lives, while the fifth is receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

In an official statement, the MEA expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and said India's diplomatic mission in Ukraine is closely coordinating with local authorities to assist the affected crew members and their families.

India protests to Russia after a missile strike near Ukraine's Odesa kills four Indian seafarers aboard MV Golden Leo

The ministry also strongly condemned attacks that endanger civilian lives and commercial shipping, emphasizing that targeting merchant vessels and innocent crew members threatens maritime safety, international commerce, and freedom of navigation.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the Turkish-owned cargo ship, sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck while leaving Odesa. Ukraine's Air Force stated that Russian forces launched three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles during the attack, with one missile hitting the vessel and causing a fire onboard.

Ukrainian media reported that the strike resulted in multiple casualties and that several surviving crew members were rescued and transported to a hospital in Odesa for treatment.

Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence said its military had carried out strikes on port infrastructure and vessels that it alleged were supporting Ukraine's armed forces. Moscow stated that the operation targeted ships it claimed were transporting military-related cargo near the Port of Odesa.

The incident has further intensified concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operating in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has reiterated its opposition to attacks that place civilian seafarers at risk and has called for the protection of international maritime trade routes.