NEW DELHI: India has strongly condemned a deadly attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which claimed the lives of four Indian nationals and left another critically injured while the ship was departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa on July 19, 2026.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday, the government confirmed that the vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals, when it came under attack during its departure from the Black Sea port.
According to the MEA, four persons lost their lives in the incident, while the fifth crew member sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The ministry described the tragedy as deeply distressing and said Indian authorities are working closely to assist those affected.
Government Extends Condolences to Families
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, the Ministry of External Affairs said India stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
The ministry stated, “Four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalized in a critical condition.”
It further added that New Delhi’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine has been actively monitoring the developments and coordinating assistance.
The statement noted, “Our Mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected.”
The government also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured crew member a speedy and complete recovery.
Officials indicated that the Indian Embassy is maintaining contact with local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure timely support and facilitate all necessary procedures related to the victims.
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping
India issued a strong condemnation of the strike, emphasizing that civilian merchant vessels and innocent seafarers should never become targets during conflicts.
The MEA declared, “India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members is deplorable and should be avoided.”
The government also stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that international trade routes remain secure.
The statement underscored that attacks disrupting maritime commerce not only endanger human lives but also threaten global shipping operations and economic stability.
India reiterated its long-standing position that civilian infrastructure and commercial maritime traffic must remain protected under international norms.
Mission in Ukraine Monitoring Developments
Following the attack, India’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine began closely tracking the situation and coordinating with local officials.
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Sources indicated that embassy officials are extending consular support wherever required and are assisting with communication between authorities and the affected families.
The government said every possible effort is being made to provide assistance, including facilitating medical support for the injured sailor and helping with formalities concerning the deceased crew members.
Officials have also remained in contact with shipping authorities to gather additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Renewed Concerns Over Maritime Security
The latest incident has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by commercial shipping operating in conflict-affected waters.
Merchant vessels carrying civilian crews continue to navigate routes that remain vulnerable due to ongoing hostilities in the region.
Maritime experts have repeatedly warned that attacks on commercial ships not only endanger seafarers from multiple countries but also disrupt international supply chains and maritime commerce.
The deaths of four Indian seafarers have renewed concerns regarding the safety of civilian crews working aboard merchant vessels in high-risk zones.
India has consistently advocated respect for international maritime law and the protection of civilian shipping from military actions.
The attack on MV Golden Leo is expected to draw wider international attention as governments and maritime organizations continue to call for enhanced safeguards for commercial vessels operating near conflict areas.
For India, the immediate priority remains supporting the affected families, ensuring treatment for the injured sailor, and coordinating through diplomatic channels to manage the aftermath of the tragedy.
With four Indian lives lost and another crew member battling critical injuries, the incident marks one of the deadliest recent attacks involving Indian seafarers in an international conflict zone. The Ministry of External Affairs has reaffirmed that it will continue monitoring developments closely while extending every possible assistance to those impacted by the attack.
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