India Condemns Missile Attack on Merchant Vessel, Four Seafarers Lost
Tragic Incident Involving Indian Seafarers
File image of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal (Photo - @sarbanandsonwal / X)
New Delhi, Jul 21: On Tuesday, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives, including four Indian seafarers, due to a missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo as it was leaving Odesa, Ukraine.
In a statement shared on social media, Sonowal condemned the attacks that jeopardize the lives of innocent crew members and disrupt maritime navigation and trade.
He stated, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, including four courageous Indian seafarers, following the missile attack on the MV Golden Leo. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time."
The missile strike resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including four Indian seafarers, on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, leading to strong condemnation from India and renewed calls for the protection of commercial shipping in conflict zones.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the ship was targeted by Russian cruise missiles. This incident marks the first reported casualties of Indian seafarers amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Sonowal added, "Our mission in Ukraine, in collaboration with the DGMA and RPSL, is actively monitoring the situation, verifying details, and ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided to the affected families as a priority. I also pray for the swift recovery of the injured Indian sailor currently hospitalized."
In response to the incident, India summoned the Russian charge d'affaires (CDA) and lodged a formal protest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) communicated to the Russian CDA India's "serious concerns and clear condemnation" regarding the attack.
The MEA reported, "As per the available information, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, and one is in critical condition in the hospital."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia targeted a civilian vessel navigating through Ukraine's maritime corridor on Sunday, which had crew members from Syria and India.
The MEA confirmed that the Indian mission in Ukraine is diligently monitoring the situation and is committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.