NEW DELHI: India summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in New Delhi after four Indian sailors were killed in a missile strike on a commercial cargo ship in the Black Sea, sharply condemning the attack and urging Moscow to ensure that civilian shipping is not targeted.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, senior Russian diplomat Vladimir Ladanov was called in to receive New Delhi’s formal protest following Sunday’s attack on the Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant ship operating in the Black Sea.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: India lodges protest with Russia after four Indian seafarers killed in strike on commercial vessel off Ukraine.
🇮🇳🇷🇺🇺🇦 || MEA summons Russian Chargé d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov over MV Golden Leo attack that killed four Indian nationals.
🕊️ MEA summoned… pic.twitter.com/9NOvc1uNry
— Resonant News🌍 (@Resonant_News) July 21, 2026
Ukraine has accused Russia of launching three cruise missiles at the ship, which was crewed by Indian and Syrian nationals.
The strike killed 10 people, including four Indian sailors. Russia has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Russia destroyed a cargo ship near the Ukrainian coast, killing 4 Indian nationals. Russia has not admitted any mistake. Instead, India summoned the Russian ambassador.
Russia must be held accountable. That is what every Indian wants.
✌️✌️Retaliation ✌️✌️@RusEmbIndia pic.twitter.com/mvfMSpV9IN
— Anushi Tiwari Indian 🇮🇳 (@indiantiwari01) July 21, 2026
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, India’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “grave concern and unequivocal condemnation” over the incident, stressing that attacks on civilian commercial vessels threaten global maritime safety and security.
The ministry said it had conveyed to the Russian diplomat that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives were “unacceptable” and must not be repeated.
New Delhi also emphasised that such incidents undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime trade, which remains vital to the global economy.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue engaging with India to explain its position, while making clear that Russian forces would keep targeting vessels transporting ammunition, weapons and other military supplies intended for Ukraine.
🚨 Russia discusses maritime strikes stance with India: Kremlin
“We continue our contacts with Indian partners, we are explaining our position. Most importantly, our armed forces will continue to strike those vessels that are involved in transporting ammunition, weapons, and so… pic.twitter.com/M6rikYdtVf
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) July 21, 2026
India is among the world’s leading suppliers of merchant navy personnel. According to the country’s shipping ministry, more than 320,000 Indian sailors were serving on commercial vessels worldwide in 2025, making the safety of international shipping a key concern for the government.
The incident comes at a sensitive time in India-Russia relations. The two countries have long described each other as trusted strategic partners, with close political, defence and economic ties stretching back to the Soviet era.
However, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has increasingly complicated New Delhi’s diplomatic balancing act as it seeks to maintain relations with both Moscow and Western partners.
The deaths of the four Indian sailors are likely to add further strain to the relationship, while renewing international concerns over the risks posed to civilian shipping operating in conflict zones.
