External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised serious concerns over the growing number of attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers across key maritime routes, warning that such incidents are “no longer exceptional occurrences” but an increasingly dangerous trend affecting global trade and human security.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jaishankar said the international community must treat maritime security as an urgent priority. India and Liberia jointly launched the initiative to draw global attention to the safety of ships, crews and vital sea lanes.
Highlighting recent incidents, Jaishankar referred to the attack on the Antigua and Barbuda‑flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman, in which an Indian sailor lost his life. He noted that the tragedy underscored the growing risks faced by civilian crews operating in conflict‑prone waters.
“Just two days ago, MV Cape Dao was attacked in the Gulf of Oman and an Indian seafarer lost his life,” Jaishankar said, stressing that maritime workers are increasingly finding themselves at the front line of geopolitical tensions despite being civilians.
He also cited another recent incident involving the Panama‑flagged oil tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz, where an Indian crew member was reported missing. Along with attacks in the Red Sea, Gulf region, and the Black Sea, these incidents reflect a worrying deterioration in maritime security.
Jaishankar warned that uninterrupted shipping is essential for global commerce, energy supplies and economic stability. He called for stronger international cooperation to protect seafarers, secure trade routes and ensure accountability for attacks on civilian vessels.
The new India‑Liberia initiative aims to build diplomatic support for practical measures that enhance maritime safety and protect the millions of seafarers who sustain global trade every day.