Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Warns Repeated Attacks Threaten Shipping and Seafarers
S Jaishankar said ships and sailors are being attacked too often in important sea routes.
He mentioned attacks in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea region and Black Sea.
An Indian sailor died in the attack on MV Cape Dao.
An Indian crew member went missing after the tanker El Gaia was struck.
Other Indian seafarers died in attacks involving MV Omorfi and MV Golden Leo.
Jaishankar said these attacks hurt trade and cannot be justified.
India and Liberia created a group to improve safety for ships and sailors.
India also proposed an emergency network to help sailors with medical care, family contact and evacuation.
S Jaishankar said attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea are no longer exceptional.
He cited attacks on MV Cape Dao and El Gaia, along with Black Sea incidents involving MV Omorfi and MV Golden Leo.
The incidents cited resulted in Indian seafarers being killed and one crew member going missing.
India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers at the United Nations General Assembly.
Jaishankar called for stronger cooperation and supported an emergency network for distress alerts, medical aid, family communication and evacuations.
- Who
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, India, Liberia and countries participating in the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
- What
- Jaishankar warned that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers are recurring and called for stronger international cooperation to deter them.
- When
- The inaugural meeting took place on Friday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly; the cited incidents occurred in recent months, including attacks on 18 July and the following day.
- Where
- The meeting was held during the United Nations General Assembly; the incidents occurred in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea region and Black Sea.
- Why
- The initiative aims to improve maritime safety, protect seafarers, reduce attacks and provide emergency assistance.
- New initiative
- India and Liberia jointly proposed the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
- MV Cape Dao
- The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier was attacked in the Gulf of Oman, killing an Indian sailor.
- El Gaia
- The Panama-flagged oil tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, after which an Indian crew member went missing.
- Black Sea attacks
- MV Omorfi was hit in Russian territorial waters, killing its Indian chief officer; MV Golden Leo was later struck after leaving Odessa, killing four Indian seafarers.
- Maritime trade
- Jaishankar said international trade exceeds $140 billion per day and oceans support more than 80 percent of that activity.
- Seafarer workforce
- Nearly 2 million seafarers operate the world's merchant fleets.
- Proposed emergency network
- The Seafarers Emergency Support Network would connect maritime authorities and embassies to coordinate distress alerts, medical assistance, family communication and evacuation support.
