External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised concerns over the growing number of attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in key waterways, including the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said attacks on commercial shipping were no longer exceptional incidents. He said the attacks were disrupting maritime trade and putting the lives of seafarers at risk.
India and Liberia have launched the new group to bring together countries concerned about the safety of commercial vessels and their crews. India is a major source of seafarers, while Liberia is one of the world’s largest ship registries. The initiative is intended to give greater attention to maritime security and improve international cooperation on the issue.
Jaishankar pointed to recent attacks in important shipping routes and said the situation required a coordinated international response. India has a particular interest in the safety of these routes because thousands of Indian seafarers work on vessels operating around the world.
The minister’s remarks came as maritime security risks remain a major concern in areas including the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and Black Sea. Recent incidents have also affected Indian crew members, including an attack on the MV Cape Dao off Oman in which an Indian national was killed.
During the media interaction following the maritime security meeting, Jaishankar also faced a question from a Pakistani journalist about terrorism. The reporter asked when the Indian government would stop what he described as sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan.
Jaishankar responded: “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, then told the journalist that he had heard the minister’s response.
The exchange followed an earlier incident in which an Indian journalist questioned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while he was entering the UN headquarters. The journalist asked when Pakistan would stop harbouring terrorists. Sharif did not respond, according to reports.
The maritime security initiative comes at a time when conflicts and attacks in several regions are affecting commercial shipping. Jaishankar stressed that protecting seafarers and maintaining safe shipping routes require cooperation among countries.
The new India-Liberia grouping is expected to provide a platform for countries to discuss these challenges and work towards stronger safety and security measures for ships and seafarers.