WorldPosted at: Sep 26 2026 4:24PM


India, Liberia launch global group to protect ships and seafarers, Jaishankar says ‘Attacks must stop’

New York, Sep 26 (UNI) India and Liberia have joined hands to launch a new international initiative aimed at strengthening the safety and security of commercial shipping and seafarers amid growing attacks on merchant vessels across key global waterways.
Speaking to the media after the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Week 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners were “legally and morally indefensible”.
“There can be no justification for such violence and loss of lives. Put simply, these attacks must stop,” Jaishankar said.
The initiative, jointly led by India and Liberia, brings together countries with major seafaring, shipping and ship-owning interests.
The first meeting of the Group was attended by 25 countries, according to Jaishankar.
India is a major source country for seafarers, while Liberia hosts the world’s largest shipping registry by tonnage.
The two countries have therefore sought to build a broader coalition to put the safety and welfare of seafarers higher on the international agenda.
Jaishankar highlighted the dangers confronting nearly 2 million seafarers operating the global merchant fleet.
Recent conflicts and disruptions have exposed seafarers to prolonged confinement aboard vessels, delays in crew changes and repatriation, separation from families and psychological distress, in addition to the physical dangers posed by attacks on ships.
The External Affairs Minister pointed to attacks and security threats stretching from the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf to the Red Sea and Black Sea, saying the international community could not remain indifferent to the risks faced by commercial shipping and maritime workers.
The initiative assumes added significance because maritime shipping carries around four-fifths of global trade. Jaishankar said global trade amounted to approximately USD 35 trillion last year, underlining the importance of keeping major sea lanes secure.
The Group of Friends will function as an inclusive, voluntary and action-oriented platform, with a focus on cooperation among member states and other stakeholders.
Its agenda will include exchanging views and experiences, developing practical cooperation and strengthening existing international frameworks dealing with maritime safety and seafarer welfare.
India and Liberia will serve as co-Chairs of the Group. Jaishankar said the inaugural meeting had been “very, very productive” and that the Group would meet regularly.
The detailed contours of the initiative will be developed through consultations with participating countries, taking into account the views and proposals raised at the first meeting.
Members will also work to advance common concerns through international and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Linking the initiative to the wider global security environment, Jaishankar said the world was facing conflicts and confrontations that were threatening fundamental international needs, including food, fuel, fertiliser and finance, the “4Fs.”
Against this backdrop, he said the new initiative was intended to contribute to greater stability and confidence in an increasingly uncertain maritime environment.
“The international community cannot just be a spectator or indeed a victim of violence,” Jaishankar said, expressing hope that the new Group would make a meaningful difference to the safety and security of shipping and seafarers. UNI AAB SAS
Tags: #India# Liberia launch global group to protect ships and seafarers# Jaishankar says ‘Attacks must stop’
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