MOSCOW / NEW DELHI — The Kremlin on Tuesday confirmed that it remains in contact with the Government of India following the deaths of four Indian nationals in a Russian attack on a commercial cargo vessel in the Black Sea, an incident that has heightened diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Moscow.
The statement came from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, just hours after India summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires, Vladimir Ladanov, to lodge a strong diplomatic protest over the attack that claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers and left another critically injured.
Attack on MV Golden Leo
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the MV Golden Leo, a commercial vessel, came under attack on the evening of July 19, 2026, while departing the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
At the time of the incident, the ship had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.
The MEA confirmed that:
- Four Indian crew members were killed.
- One Indian sailor sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
- The attack occurred as the vessel was leaving port in the Black Sea, a region that has witnessed frequent military activity since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war.
In an official statement, the MEA described the loss of life as a tragic incident and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
India Strongly Condemns the Attack
India issued a strong condemnation of the strike, emphasizing that commercial shipping and civilian maritime personnel must never be targeted during armed conflicts.
The MEA stated that attacks endangering innocent civilian crew members and disrupting international trade routes are unacceptable.
“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.
The government also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation, which remains essential for global commerce and international maritime security.
India Summons Russian Diplomat
Following the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to formally convey India’s grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation of the incident.
During the diplomatic meeting, Indian officials stated that attacks on civilian commercial vessels threaten not only innocent lives but also the safety and stability of international maritime trade.
The MEA urged the Russian diplomat to immediately communicate New Delhi’s concerns to the Russian government.
According to the ministry:
“The targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives are unacceptable and must be avoided.”
Kremlin Responds
Responding to questions from reporters in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains in communication with Indian authorities regarding the incident.
However, Peskov did not provide additional details about the attack, its circumstances, or whether Moscow intends to conduct an investigation into the deaths of the Indian crew members.
Growing Concerns Over Black Sea Shipping
The incident has once again highlighted the increasing dangers facing commercial shipping in the Black Sea, where military operations linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict continue to pose significant risks to civilian vessels.
International maritime organizations have repeatedly warned that attacks on merchant ships could disrupt global supply chains, increase shipping insurance costs, and endanger seafarers from multiple countries.
India, whose citizens serve aboard commercial vessels worldwide, has consistently called for the protection of civilian shipping and adherence to international maritime law.
Diplomatic Implications
Although India and Russia maintain long-standing strategic ties in defense, energy, and trade, the deaths of Indian citizens have prompted one of New Delhi’s strongest diplomatic responses since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Analysts say the incident is likely to feature prominently in ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two countries as India seeks accountability and assurances regarding the safety of its nationals working in international waters.
Key Highlights
- Four Indian seafarers were killed and one remains critically injured after the MV Golden Leo was attacked near Odesa, Ukraine.
- The vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals, when it came under attack on July 19, 2026.
- India summoned Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov and lodged a strong diplomatic protest.
- The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, calling strikes on commercial shipping unacceptable.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains in contact with New Delhi following the incident.
- The tragedy has renewed international concerns about the safety of civilian commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.
