New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly criticised attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers amid continuing conflicts in the Gulf and other key maritime regions, calling the loss of sailors’ lives “completely unacceptable”.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said attacks on commercial vessels and maritime crews had emerged as a major concern, with incidents reported across the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea. India called for restraint, de escalation of tensions, protection of civilians and the uninterrupted movement of energy and commercial goods.
Jaishankar said Indian sailors, along with seafarers from other countries, should not be exposed to attacks while carrying out their duties on international waterways. India has also joined efforts to strengthen international attention on maritime safety through the newly launched Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
The minister also highlighted what he described as the growing “weaponisation of everything”, warning that conflicts were increasingly affecting countries far from the actual theatres of war. He pointed to disruptions involving finance, markets, supply chains, technology, resources and connectivity, saying the consequences were particularly severe for developing countries.
Jaishankar said maintaining peace required more than simply ending armed conflict. He stressed the importance of stability, security and predictability in preventing further escalation.
On Ukraine, India reiterated support for ongoing efforts to bring the conflict to an end while highlighting the need to protect seafarers and maintain supplies of food and energy.
He also addressed the situation in West Asia, reiterating India’s support for a two state solution and noting India’s humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Jaishankar said the Global South faces a wider crisis involving food, fuel, fertilisers and finance. He also warned that technology, including artificial intelligence, could become a source of concern when misused, adding that such developments pose challenges to the broader objectives of the United Nations.
