4 Indians killed in attack on cargo ship leaving Ukraine; government condemns strike

Four Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship carrying grain was hit while departing Ukraine's port of Odesa, prompting New Delhi to strongly condemn the attack. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo was attacked on the evening of July 19. The vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indians.

"As per information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition," the MEA said in a statement on Monday. The attack is among the deadliest incidents involving Indian seafarers since tensions escalated again in the Black Sea.

Condemning the attack, New Delhi said targeting civilian shipping and innocent crew members was



unacceptable and stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation.

"India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided," the MEA said.

The MEA said India's mission in Ukraine was closely monitoring the situation and making every effort to assist those affected.

The statement did not directly name Russia. However, Ukrainian authorities have blamed Moscow for the strike.

India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict while urging all parties to respect international law and avoid actions that put civilian lives at risk.