10 Killed, Including 4 Indians, as Missile Hits Commercial Ship Off Ukraine Coast; India Condemns Attack

Ten people, including four Indian nationals, were killed in an attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial vessel departing from Ukraine’s coast. India has strongly condemned the attack and reiterated its call for the safety of commercial shipping during conflicts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia attacked a civilian ship navigating through Ukraine's maritime corridor on Sunday. The vessel’s crew included citizens from Syria and India. This marks the first instance of Indian sailors losing their lives in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russia Attacked Ship with Cruise Missiles: Ukraine

Ukraine's Air Force claimed that Russian forces launched cruise missiles at the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the commercial ship—identified as M.V. Golden Leo—had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals.

Condemning the incident, India stated that targeting commercial ships and endangering innocent civilian crew members is "condemnable and must be avoided."

What Did the MEA State?

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said:

"On the evening of July 19, M.V. Golden Leo was attacked as it was departing from the Odesa port. At the time of the incident, 17 crew members were on board, including five Indian nationals."

"According to available information, four Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, while one Indian national is hospitalized in critical condition."

The MEA added that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and making every effort to provide all possible assistance to those affected.

"We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased Indian nationals and pray for the speedy and full recovery of the injured Indian national," the ministry stated.

India Refrains from Directly Naming Russia

Without directly naming Russia, the MEA noted:

"India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial vessels, endangering the lives of innocent crew members, or hindering freedom of navigation and trade is condemnable and must not occur."

According to Western media reports, the overall death toll from the attack has risen to 10. The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.

Highlighting the gravity of the attack on social media, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote:

"An ordinary civilian ship. An international crew. A route vital for global food security. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin found another target."

"After this attack, there is no room for illusion. Putin's Russia does not care who it kills—whether Ukrainians or citizens of other nations."