India on Tuesday summoned a senior Russian diplomat and expressed grave concern after four Indian nationals were killed in a missile strike on a commercial cargo ship in the Black Sea.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attack on the civilian vessel and the loss of innocent lives were unacceptable, stressing the need to protect international commercial shipping.

Four Indians Among Ten People Killed

According to Ukrainian authorities, the Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship, was struck by three cruise missiles while departing from the Ukrainian port of Odesa on Sunday.

The vessel reportedly had Indian and Syrian crew members on board. The attack killed 10 people, including four Indian nationals.

The ship is owned by Mumbai-based Ocean Grace Shipping Ltd, according to shipping records.

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India Summons Russian Chargé d’Affaires

Following the incident, India summoned Vladimir Ladanov, Russia's Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi.

During the meeting, Indian officials conveyed the country's strong concerns and stated that attacks targeting commercial shipping, leading to civilian casualties, are unacceptable.

The MEA said such incidents threaten the safety, security and stability of international maritime trade.

Russia Responds to India's Concerns

The Kremlin said Russia remains in contact with Indian authorities regarding the incident.

Russian officials stated that their military operations are aimed at vessels allegedly involved in transporting military supplies intended for Ukraine, adding that such operations would continue.

Russia has maintained that its strikes are directed at military-related logistics rather than civilian targets.

Growing Risks for Indian Seafarers

The latest incident adds to increasing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working on international cargo vessels operating in conflict zones.

India has previously lost citizens serving aboard commercial ships during the ongoing Middle East conflict and has raised similar concerns with both the United States and Iran over attacks affecting civilian maritime traffic.