India has confirmed that the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which was struck while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19, was carrying grain cargo at the time of the attack, rejecting suggestions that the ship was transporting military supplies.
The clarification comes amid Russia’s assertion that it would continue targeting vessels it believes are carrying weapons or ammunition for Ukraine.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said information received from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration confirmed that the Guinea-Bissau-flagged bulk carrier had loaded grain before sailing from Odesa.
“As per information made available to us from the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, India, MV Golden Leo, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial vessel involved in the tragic incident in the Odesa port, had loaded grain as cargo prior to its departure on 19 July 2026,” the MEA said.
The ministry reiterated India’s longstanding position that commercial shipping and civilian seafarers must never be targeted, regardless of the conflict.
“We once again reiterate that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances. EAM had made this position clear in the EAS and ARF meetings and reiterated with Russian FM Lavrov,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Four Indian Seafarers Killed
The vessel came under attack while leaving Odesa on the evening of July 19. According to the MEA, the ship had 17 crew members, including five Indian nationals.
The attack claimed the lives of four Indian seafarers, while the fifth Indian crew member remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Condemning the strike, the MEA stated that targeting commercial vessels threatens international trade and maritime safety.
“Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided.”
Ukraine Blames Russian Missile Strike
Ukraine’s Navy has accused Russia of launching three Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles at the Turkish-owned bulk carrier as it departed Odesa carrying grain.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack killed 10 crew members in total, including four Indians and six Syrians.
Kremlin Defends the Attack
Despite India’s protest, the Kremlin has defended the strike.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains in contact with India regarding the incident but maintained that Russian forces would continue targeting vessels believed to be supporting Ukraine’s military operations.
India Lodges Diplomatic Protest
Following the deaths, India summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov to lodge a formal diplomatic protest and convey its “grave concerns and unequivocal condemnation” over the attack.
The MEA said the incident represents a serious threat to international maritime trade and freedom of navigation, emphasizing that attacks on commercial vessels resulting in civilian casualties are unacceptable.
The ministry added that such incidents “undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce” and urged Russia to ensure that commercial shipping and innocent civilian seafarers are not targeted during the ongoing conflict.
