4 Indians Killed, 1 Critical after Missile Strike on MV GOLDEN LEO near Odesa Port: India Condemns Attack

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New Delhi: Four Indian seafarers were killed and one was left in critical condition after a missile strike hit the commercial vessel MV GOLDEN LEO while it was leaving Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa, the Ministry of External Affairs said late Monday.

The Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship was carrying a crew from India and Syria and was loaded with corn.

Ukrainian officials said the vessel had 17 sailors onboard — from India, Syria, and one Ukrainian. Eight crew members were rescued, while a search and rescue operation continued through the night.

India Govt Statement

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In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack.

“India condemns such attacks and reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, is deplorable and should be avoided,” the ministry said.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also expressed grief.

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