India and Liberia have recently gathered a group of countries aimed at tackling the alarming rise in attacks on commercial ships at sea, which have tragically resulted in the deaths of many sailors, including several from India. This new coalition, called the ‘Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers,’ convened during the UN General Assembly’s High Level Week in New York.
During the event, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the urgent need for action, noting that attacks on civilian shipping from places like the Black Sea to the Gulf of Oman are increasingly worrying. He emphasized that such violent acts, which disrupt global trade and claim innocent lives, cannot be justified.
Jaishankar pointed out a recent incident where an Indian sailor lost their life during an attack on the MV Cape Dove, a ship registered in Antigua and Barbuda, in the Gulf of Oman just two days earlier. He urged the global community to unite to prevent further attacks on maritime commerce, underscoring the crucial role of nearly two million seafarers who are essential for international trade, which accounts for about 80% of global commerce.
The Minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has proposed the creation of a seafarers emergency support network. This initiative would link maritime authorities and embassies, enabling prompt responses in cases of distress, medical emergencies, and facilitating communication with families and evacuations if necessary.
Jaishankar remarked on the need for enhanced international collaboration to protect seafarers, as many sailors work on ships registered in countries other than their own. The newly formed Group of Friends aims to include major ship-owning nations, countries with significant ship registries, and those that provide a large number of seafarers, all in the spirit of improving maritime safety and protecting those who work at sea.
