Archive · 21 Jul 2026
India Protests Russia Over Merchant Ship Attack Killing 4 Indian Sailors
India is very upset because Russia attacked a ship called MV Golden Leo near Ukraine.
This ship had Indian sailors on it, and four of them died.
India told Russia that this is not okay and asked them to stop attacking ships.
This is the first time Indian sailors have died in the Russia-Ukraine war.
India has also been upset with the US and Iran for killing Indian sailors in other places.
India wants all countries to stop attacking ships and let them sail safely.
India summoned the Russian Charge d’Affaires to protest the killing of four Indian sailors in a Russian missile strike on the MV Golden Leo.
The attack occurred off the coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea on July 19, 2024.
The MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.
Four Indian sailors were killed, and one is in critical condition.
India condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and commerce.
- Who
- Four Indian sailors and other crew members of the MV Golden Leo
- What
- A Russian missile strike on a merchant ship off the coast of Ukraine
- When
- July 19, 2024
- Where
- Off the coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea
- Why
- Russia targets non-combatant establishments and commercial ships to pressure Ukraine
India's Stance
Russia's Actions
Diplomatic Response
India's Stance
India summoned the Russian Charge d’Affaires to protest the attack and demand accountability.
Russia's Actions
Russia has not publicly responded to India's protest or acknowledged the attack.
Condemnation of Attacks
India's Stance
India condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and commerce.
Russia's Actions
Russia continues to target non-combatant establishments and commercial ships in Ukraine.
- Date of Attack
- July 19, 2024
- Location of Attack
- Off the coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea
- Ship Involved
- MV Golden Leo (Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel)
- Number of Crew Members
- 17
- Indian Nationals on Board
- 5
- Indian Nationals Killed
- 4
- Indian National Injured
- 1 (critical condition)
- Other Nationalities on Board
- Syria
Sources
India summons Russian envoy after strike on merchant ship off Ukraine kills 4 Indian sailors
India summons Russian envoy over death of 4 Indian sailors in attack off Ukraine coast
‘Unacceptable’: India summons Russian envoy after attack on merchant ship kills four Indian seafarers
India lodges strong protest with Russia over cargo ship attack that killed four Indians
India summons senior Russian diplomat over killing of four Indian ship crew
