India has launched a new maritime safety initiative with Liberia, addressing the alarming number of attacks on seafarers and civilian vessels. This announcement was made on Friday during a high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Liberia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the ‘Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers’.

The primary aim of this group is to enhance maritime trade safety and security. Jaishankar highlighted the growing concern over escalating assaults on civilian shipping across various regions, including the Black Sea and the Gulf. He condemned these attacks as “indefensible” and “unacceptable,” emphasising the need for the international community to unite in deterring such actions. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among significant global stakeholders in maritime safety.

According to Jaishankar, the group will involve major ship-owning nations, countries with extensive ship registries, and key contributors to the seafaring workforce. He pointed out recent incidents, including the attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman, which led to the loss of an Indian sailor’s life. He also referred to the attack on the Panama-flagged El Gaia while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in another Indian crew member going missing.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Seafarers

During the meeting, Jaishankar spoke of the broader threats currently faced by seafarers, exacerbated by factors such as prolonged confinement aboard vessels and difficulties with crew changes. This includes the emotional distress resulting from separation from families, which has become increasingly common amid global maritime challenges. He accentuated the necessity for a unified international response to address these complex issues despite existing frameworks aimed at protecting seafarers’ rights.

Furthermore, Jaishankar referred to a proposal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recently held BRICS Leaders’ Summit, advocating for the establishment of a seafarers emergency support network. This network aims to connect maritime authorities and embassies to facilitate necessary assistance, including distress alerts and medical support for seafarers in crisis.

In responses to media inquiries following the announcement, Jaishankar condemned the recent spate of attacks as not just legally indefensible but also morally unacceptable. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he called for an immediate cessation of violence against commercial shipping, stressing that such acts must not continue.

Global Trade Impact and Collaborative Efforts

Jaishankar elaborated on the significance of maritime shipping in global trade, asserting that it constitutes approximately four-fifths of the worldwide commerce valued at $35 trillion last year. He asserted that the India-Liberia collaboration seeks to draw increased global attention to issues surrounding seafarers and the shipping industry as a whole. This partnership is posed to strengthen cooperative efforts in maritime security.

The initiative aims to serve as a voluntary, inclusive platform for member states to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It will encourage sharing of experiences and facilitate concrete collaborations. Jaishankar noted that the group’s discussions will address vital topics concerning the shipping sector and the welfare of seafarers.

Lastly, he confirmed that participants from the group would work together to promote maritime safety issues through various international forums, including the United Nations, the International Maritime Organisation, and the International Labour Organisation. The newly formed group represents a concerted effort to elevate the discourse on seafarer safety amid escalating threats in maritime environments.

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