Jaishankar Calls Attacks on Civilian Shipping ‘Indefensible’

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar voiced serious concern about the increasing incidents of attacks on commercial vessels. He highlighted the risks faced by seafarers in pivotal maritime regions, such as the Gulf, the Red Sea and the Black Sea.

Jaishankar's remarks came during a gathering of the 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers', where he noted that India and Liberia were jointly addressing these pressing security issues. He stated, 'We are gathered here this morning with a strong resolve on a very important issue. India, as a major source of seafarers, and Liberia, as the largest shipping registry, have come together to highlight the safety and security of shipping and seafarers.'

One of the specific incidents he referenced was the recent attack on the MV Cape Dao, a bulk carrier flagged under Antigua and Barbuda, which occurred in the Gulf of Oman. This attack resulted in the tragic death of an Indian sailor. Jaishankar elaborated, 'Just two days ago, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, MV Cape Dow, was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. An Indian sailor lost his life.'

He further elaborated on an incident involving the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, where an Indian crew member was reported missing. Jaishankar underscored that incidents like these should not be considered isolated.

'These, regrettably, are no longer exceptional occurrences. In the last few months, commercial shipping and mariners have been subjected to repeated attacks in the Gulf, the Red Sea, and its vicinity,' he stated.

Jaishankar also referred to attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, including that of the MV Omorfi, which was struck within Russian territorial waters, resulting in the death of its Indian chief officer. The following day, MV Golden Leo was struck after departing from Odessa, leading to the deaths of four more Indian seafarers.

The minister made it clear that these attacks impact individuals from multiple nations and affect the wider global maritime community. He stated, 'These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible.'

Jaishankar called for international cooperation, urging countries to unite in an effort to prevent further assaults on commercial shipping. He concluded, 'We are here to not just highlight this dangerous trend, but to urge the international community to close ranks and deter such attacks.'