India condemns attack on merchant vessel resulting in death of four Indian seafarers

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong condemnation following a missile strike on a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of four Indian seafarers. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening as the MV Golden Leo departed the port of Odesa, marks the first time Indian nationals have been killed in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Hindustan Times.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the vessel was struck by Russian cruise missiles, triggering a fire on board. Of the 17 crew members present, five were Indian nationals. The MEA confirmed that four Indians were killed, while a fifth remains hospitalized in critical condition. Ukrainian authorities reported that the total death toll from the strike includes nine crew members and a local port pilot. While the Indian government did not explicitly name Russia in its official statement, it emphasized that the targeting of commercial shipping and the endangerment of civilian crews is deplorable and undermines the freedom of navigation.

This event follows a series of maritime security challenges for India, which has seen over half a dozen Indian seafarers lose their lives in recent weeks during incidents in the Strait of Hormuz involving Iranian and U.S. forces. The Indian embassy in Ukraine is currently coordinating efforts to provide assistance to the affected families and the injured survivor. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the strike as a deliberate attack on global food security routes, noting that Russia has increasingly targeted foreign-flagged vessels operating within the Black Sea maritime corridor.

The escalation of hostilities in the Odesa region has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of international maritime trade. As Russia intensifies its offensive against vessels navigating along the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts, the incident underscores the growing risks faced by Indian merchant mariners operating in conflict zones. The Indian government has reiterated its call for the protection of civilian shipping, a stance that remains central to its diplomatic engagement with international maritime organizations.