Four Indian seafarers were among 10 people killed in an attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine, prompting strong condemnation from India and fresh demands to protect commercial shipping during conflicts. The incident occurred on Sunday when Russia attacked a civilian vessel navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor.
The vessel, MV Golden Leo, had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the ship was hit by Russian cruise missiles. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that four Indian nationals have lost their lives, while one is hospitalized in a critical condition.
India condemned the attack, reiterating that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is deplorable and should be avoided. The MEA said the Indian mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also condemned the attack, stating that it was not an isolated incident. He alleged that Russia is deliberately turning freedom of navigation into a target of war, citing another recent attack on a foreign merchant vessel in the Black Sea. Sybiha discussed the issue with the leadership of the International Maritime Organization and called for the deployment of an international monitoring mission to Ukraine’s ports.
The incident has escalated hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, with the death toll in the attack rising to 10, according to Western media reports. The Indian government has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and wished the injured Indian national a speedy and full recovery.
