Full Breakdown
India Calls Attacks on Seafarers “Simply Unacceptable” at UN General Assembly
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Core Event: UN Speech and Launch of a Maritime Safety Coalition
External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the 81st UN General Assembly, condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels and crews as “simply unacceptable.” He urged restraint and the protection of civilian shipping. The same day India and Liberia inaugurated the Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping and Seafarers, bringing together Liberia and 23 partners to coordinate a global response to maritime threats.
Background & Context
The war in the Gulf has extended to key shipping lanes—including the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb, Black Sea and waters off Somalia—making them contested zones. Jaishankar warned that nations without a stake in the fighting are being penalised, a dynamic that hits the Global South hardest. He linked the maritime danger to the broader “weaponisation of everything,” noting that disruptions to finance and supply chains amplify regional wars’ impact on worldwide stability.
Recent Maritime Incidents Involving Indian Seafarers
- MV Cape Dao (Antigua and Barbuda flag) struck in the Gulf of Oman, killing an Indian sailor.
- El Gaia (Panama flag) hit in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving an Indian crew member missing.
- MV Omorfi chief officer killed on July 18 in the Black Sea.
- MV Golden Leo struck after departing Odesa, killing four Indian seafarers.
Jaishankar stressed these attacks are not isolated; sailors from other nations have also suffered casualties.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Jaishankar called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian shipping and urged collective action under international law. He highlighted the need for “scrupulous observation of international law” and stressed that safeguarding maritime routes is essential for food, fuel, fertilizer and finance security in the Global South. He also reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution to the Middle-East conflict and pledged continued humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour,” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
- “Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say. This assembly must face up to the true state of affairs,” — Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
What’s Next
The Group of Friends will draft procedures and terms of reference to strengthen cooperation among flag states, ship-owning nations and crew-supplying countries. India will continue to advocate for stronger deterrence mechanisms and diplomatic initiatives that protect seafarers and keep global trade flowing.