External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over repeated attacks targeting commercial vessels and seafarers across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea, saying such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent.

Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. India and Liberia have jointly launched the initiative to give greater international attention to the safety and security of ships and their crews. India is a major source of seafarers, while Liberia has the world’s largest shipping registry. The new platform is intended to create a consultative framework where key stakeholders can discuss maritime safety and security concerns.

Jaishankar referred to 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. He also mentioned the Panama flagged oil tanker El Gaia, which was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and resulted in an Indian crew member being reported missing.

The Minister also highlighted attacks involving civilian vessels in the Black Sea, including MV Omorfi and MV Golden Leo. He said the repeated incidents across important maritime routes showed that such attacks could no longer be treated as isolated events.

According to Jaishankar, commercial shipping and seafarers from several countries have been affected by these incidents, with people of different nationalities among those killed or impacted. He stressed that attacks disrupting maritime trade and causing civilian deaths cannot be justified and called for greater international cooperation to prevent further incidents.

Jaishankar is currently in New York leading the Indian delegation during the High Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He is also scheduled to address the High Level Session and has taken part in several bilateral and plurilateral meetings during his visit.