India has condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers amid the ongoing Gulf conflict, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling the loss of lives in maritime attacks “simply unacceptable” and urging all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce.
Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly, Jaishankar said attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers had emerged as a growing maritime security challenge across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea.
“It is completely unacceptable that seafarers from India as well as from other nations have lost their lives in these attacks,” he said.
Ahead of his address, India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers, with 23 other partners, to strengthen international efforts to protect commercial shipping and maritime crews.
Jaishankar cited the recent attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman, in which an Indian sailor was killed, and the attack on the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz, following which an Indian crew member went missing.
He also warned of the growing “weaponisation of everything”, saying conflicts and geopolitical tensions were disrupting finance, market access, supply chains, technology, resources and connectivity, with disproportionate consequences for the Global South.
India stressed the need for greater stability, security and predictability, while supporting efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and ensure the security of seafarers and uninterrupted supplies of food grains and energy.
On West Asia, Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for a durable two-state solution and highlighted India’s humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
He said the Global South was facing a “4F crisis” of food, fuel, fertiliser and finance, compounded by fertiliser shortages, disruptions to grain movements and climate-related pressures.