Four Indians Killed in Russian Missile Strike on Cargo Ship Near Odesa; India Condemns Attack

• By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi/Odesa
• Jul 21, 2026
• 106

Following the deaths of four Indian crew members, the Government of India summoned the Russian Ambassador to register its strong protest over the incident.

The Ministry of External Affairs (mea) issued a statement condemning the attack, calling strikes on commercial shipping and innocent civilian seafarers "completely unacceptable."

The ministry confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine remains in constant contact with Ukrainian authorities and is extending all necessary assistance to the affected Indian nationals.

Five Indians Were on Board MV Golden Leo

According to the MEA, the missile strike took place on the evening of July 19.

The cargo vessel had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. Four Indians were killed, while the fifth sustained serious injuries.

The ministry expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured sailor a speedy recovery.

Merchant Ships Should Never Be Targeted: India

In its official statement, India strongly denounced attacks on civilian maritime operations.

The MEA emphasized that targeting merchant vessels, civilian crew members, international shipping routes, and freedom of navigation violates accepted international norms and should never occur.

Cargo Ship Carrying Corn Caught Fire

Ukrainian officials stated that MV Golden Leo was transporting corn from Odesa when it came under missile attack.

The Ukrainian Navy confirmed that the vessel caught fire immediately after being struck by three cruise missiles.

Emergency response teams launched overnight rescue operations to evacuate survivors from the damaged ship.

Search and Rescue Operation Saves Eight Crew Members

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority said rescue teams worked throughout the night following the attack.

 

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Officials reported that nine crew members and one pilot were killed, while eight crew members were rescued safely.

Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike.

Black Sea Shipping Faces Growing Security Risks

The latest attack underscores the rapidly deteriorating security situation across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, where military operations between Russia and Ukraine continue to threaten international maritime trade.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, commercial shipping routes have faced repeated missile and drone attacks despite several international efforts to protect grain exports.

 

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Ukraine and Russia Grain Trade Under Pressure

Ukraine remains among the world's leading grain exporters, supplying nearly 6% of global wheat exports and around 11% of global corn exports. However, continued attacks on ports and merchant vessels have significantly disrupted Black Sea grain shipments.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes have also affected Russia's export logistics. Reports indicate that shipping through the Sea of Azov—responsible for nearly one-quarter of Russia's grain exports—has also been restricted due to ongoing security concerns.

Global Maritime Safety Under Renewed Threat

The attack on MV Golden Leo highlights the growing dangers facing civilian cargo ships operating in conflict zones. As hostilities continue to escalate across the Black Sea region, concerns are mounting over maritime security, world food supply chains, and the safety of international merchant seafarers.

 

 

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