India has summoned a Russian diplomat after four Indian seafarers were killed in a missile strike on a commercial cargo ship in the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack and called for the protection of civilian crews and the safety of international commercial shipping.
The cargo ship MV Golden Leo, flagged to Guinea-Bissau, was struck by cruise missiles on July 19, 2026, shortly after leaving the Ukrainian port of Odesa with a shipment of grain. Ukraine’s navy blamed Russia for the attack, which is part of the continuing conflict in the Black Sea region.
Among the 17 crew members on board, four Indians lost their lives. The victims were identified as Akhil Joyan from Kerala, Gurpreet Singh Bhatt, Jagan Singh and Abhishek Nishad. Another Indian crew member survived the attack but remains in critical condition and is receiving medical treatment.
The Ministry of External Affairs described attacks on commercial shipping as deplorable and stressed the need to protect civilian seafarers and ensure freedom of navigation. The ministry also said it is providing all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and is closely monitoring the condition of the injured Indian sailor.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea, where commercial ships have repeatedly come under attack during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.