External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the inaugural meeting of the 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He emphasized that attacks on commercial ships and seafarers have become a growing cause of concern. Jaishankar cited recent incidents, including the attack on an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, MV Cape Dove, in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the death of an Indian sailor.
Jaishankar noted that this was not an isolated incident, as a Panama-flagged oil tanker, El Gaya, was struck in the Strait of Hormuz just 10 days prior, leaving an Indian crew member missing. He also recalled two attacks in the Black Sea, where the chief officer of the MV Omorfi, an Indian national, was killed, and four Indian seafarers died after the MV Golden Leo was struck. These incidents highlight the need for stronger cooperation to deter such attacks and protect seafarers.
The 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' was proposed by India and Liberia as a forum for countries involved in shipping, registration, and crewing to work together to address these concerns. The group comprises major ship-owning nations, countries with large ship registries, and those supplying many of the world's seafarers. Jaishankar emphasized that a response by governments acting together is especially important, given that a vessel's flag and its crew members' nationalities are often different.
Jaishankar highlighted the significant economic stakes involved, with international trade exceeding $140 billion a day and oceans supporting more than 80% of it. He also pointed out the hardships faced by crews, including prolonged confinement aboard ships, delays in changing crews or returning home, separation from families, and psychological distress. Existing international and regional protections require stronger cooperation to effectively address these challenges.
The proposal for the 'Group of Friends' follows a concern India raised at the BRICS summit it hosted two weeks earlier, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a seafarers' emergency support network linking maritime authorities and embassies. This network aims to help send distress alerts, arrange medical assistance, keep families informed, and support evacuations when needed. India has also raised maritime safety at the United Nations, co-organizing a Security Council meeting with Greece and the Philippines in November last year.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the countries that have joined the 'Group of Friends' and sought their views on shaping the group's work. He noted that the group's procedures and terms of reference could be settled through discussions among its members. The formation of this group is a step towards addressing the growing concerns over maritime security and ensuring the safety of seafarers.
The issue of maritime security is a pressing concern, with attacks on civilian shipping disrupting maritime commerce and costing innocent lives. Jaishankar stressed that these actions are indefensible and urged nations to work together to deter such attacks. The 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' aims to provide a platform for countries to come together and address these challenges.
Key points
- India and Liberia have formed a 'Group of Friends' to address rising attacks on commercial ships and seafarers.
- Over 80% of global trade relies on oceans, with nearly two million seafarers serving aboard the world's merchant fleets.
- Existing international and regional protections require stronger cooperation to effectively address the challenges faced by seafarers.
