India summons Russian envoy over deadly Ukraine ship attack that killed 4 Indians

India summoned Russia's top envoy in New Delhi on Tuesday to protest a missile attack on a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's port of Odesa. The strike on commercial vessel MV Golden Leo killed four Indian nationals among five crew members on board, prompting a formal protest from India's foreign ministry.

Why did India summon the Russian envoy?

India summoned Vladimir Ladanov, the Russian charge d'affaires, to convey grave concerns and condemn the killing of Indian sailors. The Ministry of External Affairs called the attack on MV Golden Leo unacceptable and urged Moscow to avoid targeting commercial shipping and civilian lives in the future.

What happened to the MV Golden Leo?

Ukraine's navy said on Sunday that Russian missile strikes had hit the Golden Leo. The vessel is Turkish-owned and Guinea-Bissau-flagged, and it was carrying grain when it was struck. Five Indian nationals were on board at the time, and four of them were killed in the attack.

What did India's foreign ministry say?

The ministry said such attacks undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce. Ladanov was also asked to convey to Moscow that targeting commercial shipping, and the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives, is unacceptable and must be avoided.

How exposed are Indian seafarers to such risks?

India is one of the largest contributors of sailors to merchant shipping worldwide. The country's shipping ministry recorded more than 320,000 active seafarers in 2025, a scale that leaves Indian crews frequently present on vessels operating in conflict zones.

What is the relationship between India and Russia?

India and Russia consider each other time-tested friends, with ties dating back to the Soviet era. That relationship has come under significant pressure since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and incidents like the Golden Leo strike add further strain.