Four Indians Killed in Russian Missile Strike on Merchant Vessel Off Ukraine

Russia on Tuesday said it is "in touch" with its partners in New Delhi after four Indians were killed on board a merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. This comes after Kyiv claimed that Russia hit the Golden Leo—a Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship manned by a crew from India and Syria—with three cruise missiles on Sunday, killing 10 people. Earlier in the day, New Delhi summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires over the incident, news agency PTI reported, citing sources. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the strike, saying attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members were unacceptable.

The MEA, in a statement, said, "As per the information available, four Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives, while one is hospitalised in a critical condition. Our mission in Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and is making every effort to extend all possible assistance to those affected." The government also reiterated that targeting commercial vessels, endangering civilian seafarers, and disrupting freedom of navigation and international trade were deplorable and should be avoided.

One of those killed has been identified as 26-year-old merchant navy officer Akhil Joyan from Vellarikkundu in Kerala's Kasaragod district. His family was informed of his death by the shipping company through an email on Monday. Akhil had recently returned home on leave, got engaged, and resumed duty only a month ago. According to a Reuters report, Ukrainian officials said a Russian missile strike hit a ship carrying corn near the southern port of Odesa, killing 10 people.