India summons Russian Ambassador and lodges a strong protest !

Case of 4 Indian seafarers killed in Russian attack

New Delhi – Russia launched a missile attack on the merchant vessel ‘MV Golden Leo’ near the coast of Ukraine on 21st July. Four Indian seafarers were killed in the attack. Following the incident, India summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov, lodged a strong protest and sought an explanation from Russia.

India Registers Strong Protest with Russia

India has summoned the Russian envoy and lodged a strong protest over the killing of four Indian sailors in the alleged Russian missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo near Ukraine's Odesa coast.

The attack claimed 10… pic.twitter.com/qihhgstaGK

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 21, 2026

1. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo vessel ‘MV Golden Leo’ had departed from the Ukrainian port of Odesa on 19th July carrying grain.

2. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the cargo vessel had 17 crew members, including 5 Indians. Four Indian seafarers were killed in the missile attack, while the fifth was seriously injured.

3. The Embassy of India in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and providing all possible assistance to the affected persons.

4. Ukrainian authorities have held Russia responsible for the attack. The Ukrainian Navy stated that Russia fired 3 cruise missiles at the maize-carrying ‘MV Golden Leo’ shortly after it departed from Odesa. The vessel caught fire following the attack.