Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India Must Protect Seafarers Amid Rising Maritime Attacks
India has lost seafarers in recent attacks on merchant ships in Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz.
International laws protect civilian ships, but there are loopholes.
India has protested these attacks but faces allegations from Russia and the US.
India, being a major supplier of seafarers, should lead a coalition to address these issues at the UN and protect its national assets on the seas.
Four Indian seafarers were killed when a merchant ship was struck by Russian missiles in Ukraine.
Seven Indian seafarers were killed in the Strait of Hormuz between March and July.
India has protested these attacks with Russia and the US but faces allegations of violations.
International laws protect civilian ships but have loopholes allowing attacks if ships are suspected of military use.
India should lead a coalition of seafarer-supplying nations to address these issues at the UN.
- Who
- Indian seafarers, Russian and US governments
- What
- Attacks on Indian merchant ships and seafarers in international waters
- When
- Recent attacks in Ukraine and between March and July in the Strait of Hormuz
- Where
- Ukraine, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab
- Why
- Warring nations are flouting international laws, targeting civilian ships, and India needs to protect its seafarers
India's Diplomatic Approach
Russia's and US's Allegations
Response to Attacks
India's Diplomatic Approach
India has protested the deaths of its sailors with both Moscow and Washington, seeking protection for its seafarers.
Russia's and US's Allegations
Russia and the US have accused India of violations, with Moscow alleging the struck vessel was carrying military cargo.
- Number of Indian Seafarers Killed in Ukraine
- 4
- Number of Indian Seafarers Killed in Strait of Hormuz
- 7
- Key Waterways Mentioned
- Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab
- India's Role in Global Seafaring
- Supplies more than a tenth of the world's seafarers
- International Law on Maritime Protection
- Prohibits military engagement of trade ships, but commercial vessels can be targeted if used for covert military purposes