Four Indian nationals were killed and one remains in critical condition following a missile strike on the commercial cargo vessel MV Golden Leo near the Ukrainian port of Odesa on July 19, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that the ship was departing the port when it was struck by cruise missiles. The vessel, which was flagged in Guinea-Bissau and carrying a cargo of grain, had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals and several Syrian sailors.
This tragedy marks the first time Indian merchant seafarers have lost their lives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022. The Indian government has strongly condemned the attack, describing the targeting of civilian shipping and innocent crew members as a deplorable act that threatens the freedom of navigation and global commerce. The Indian mission in Ukraine is currently monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to provide assistance to the affected families and the surviving crew member.
While Ukrainian authorities have blamed Russian forces for the strike, Moscow has not provided an official comment on the specific incident. Reports indicate that the vessel was hit by three cruise missiles, causing significant damage and a fire on board. The incident has drawn international attention to the escalating risks faced by civilian crews operating in the Black Sea, a vital corridor for global food security. As the situation remains fluid, the focus for Indian authorities is on supporting the families of the deceased and ensuring the recovery of the injured sailor.