Key facts
- Four Indian sailors were killed in a missile strike on the cargo ship Golden Leo.
- Ukraine attributed the attack to Russia, stating three cruise missiles were used.
- India summoned Russian chargé d’affaires Vladimir Ladanov to express grave concerns.
- India stated that targeting commercial shipping and causing civilian casualties is unacceptable.
India has summoned a senior Russian diplomat to express "grave concerns" following a missile strike that killed four Indian sailors aboard a Black Sea cargo ship. Ukraine reported that Russia struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, the Golden Leo, with three cruise missiles on Sunday, resulting in 10 deaths.
Vladimir Ladanov, Russia's chargé d’affaires, was summoned to India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday. The ministry conveyed India's strong concerns, emphasizing that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of civilian lives are "unacceptable." The statement added that such attacks undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce.
The Golden Leo is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd, according to LSEG data. India has previously lodged protests with both the United States and Iran over the loss of Indian seafarers in the Iran war.