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India Calls Russian Charge d’Affaires to Moscow After Missile Attack on Merchant Ship

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
5 min read
India Calls Russian Charge d’Affaires to Moscow After Missile Attack on Merchant Ship

India called the Russian Charge d’Affaires to Moscow after a missile hit a merchant ship near Odesa. It was about the MV Golden Leo . Four Indian sailors were killed in that attack, and one got critically injured.

This happened on the evening of July 19, when the vessel was trying to leave Odesa. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed this detail.

They said there were seventeen people aboard the ship total. Five of them were Indian nationals. Four of those died. One is still in critical condition right now.

The MEA put out a statement expressing deep sorrow. They wished recovery for the injured sailor and condolences for the families of those lost.

“As per information we have,” they stated. “Four Indian citizens tragically lost their lives. One remains hospitalized, very badly hurt.”

India condemned this whole thing strongly. The ministry stressed that striking commercial ships and endangering civilian crews is simply wrong. It shouldn’t happen. Freedom of navigation matters too.

They made it clear: India opposes these kinds of attacks entirely. Targeting shipping just makes things worse for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian side said something different. They claimed the Turkish-owned vessel Golden Leo was hit while sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, as it left Odesa.

The Ukrainian Air Force later stepped in with details about what actually happened in the air. They reported Russian forces used three cruise missiles Kh-59/Kh-69s. One of those actually struck the ship’s side, causing a fire.

That strike killed ten people overall. That included the four Indian nationals we talked about earlier. Eight sailors were pulled off the ship and taken to Odesa hospitals.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence offered its take on everything. They said their forces kept hitting Ukrainian ports and vessels they felt were serving the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

They claimed they used anti-ship missiles, air-launched cruise missiles, and loitering munitions against port infrastructure. Among the targets listed? Two bulk carriers carrying military cargo anchored near Odesa.

Written by Gree News Team — Senior Editorial Board

Gree News Team covers international news and global affairs at Gree News. Our collective of senior editors is dedicated to providing independent, accurate, and responsible journalism for a global audience.

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