Russian envoy summoned over death of Indian crew
This photo taken and released by the Ukrainian Navy on July 19, 2026, shows the civilian cargo ship Golden Leo destroyed in the Black Sea following an alleged Russian missile attack. | Photo Credit: AFP
India summoned Russian chargé d’affaires (CDA) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and lodged a strong protest over the killing of four Indian sailors on a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant ship off the coast of Ukraine.
In a press release on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Russian CDA Vladimir Ladanov was summoned and the Ministry conveyed to him “India’s serious concerns and concerns regarding the attack on the merchant ship MV Golden Leo on July 19, 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of four Indians.”
The ministry said such attacks undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime trade.
“The Russian Charge d’Affaires has been asked to convey to his authorities India’s strong concerns that the targeting of commercial shipping and the resulting loss of lives of innocent civilians is unacceptable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.
Russia attacked a civilian ship sailing in the sea corridor of Ukraine on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and its crew included citizens of Syria and India. Ukrainian Air Force said the Guinea-Bissau flagged ship was hit by Russian cruise missiles. According to the MEA, the ship named MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indian citizens.
It was published – 21 July 2026 11:15 IST
