New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial vessels in international waters amid rising tensions linked to the conflict between Iran and the United States. The reaction came as attacks on merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz raise serious concerns over maritime safety and global trade routes.
Speaking during the 36th extraordinary session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization in London, India’s envoy to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation and called for restraint.
Doraiswami emphasised that India continues to advocate de escalation through dialogue and diplomacy while prioritising the safety of civilians. He also expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives, including three Indian seafarers, in recent attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure.
India highlighted the importance of protecting global shipping routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers. Doraiswami noted that India is among the top three nations supplying seafarers to the global maritime industry, contributing nearly 13 percent of the world’s seafaring workforce.
He stated that attacks on merchant vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure are unacceptable, as they threaten lives and disrupt safe navigation in international waters. India reiterated that the freedom of navigation and lawful movement of commercial vessels through international waterways must be respected under international law.
India also pointed to measures taken to support affected sailors, including a round the clock helpline for Indian seafarers. The country is also utilising the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region, established in 2018 and hosted by the Indian Navy, to share maritime information and coordinate rescue and response efforts.
Meanwhile, the IMO Council strongly condemned threats and attacks against merchant ships in the Gulf region. During the session, member states discussed steps to enhance coordination and improve safety for civilian vessels operating in high risk waters.
The council also supported efforts to explore a maritime safety corridor that would help merchant vessels safely navigate or evacuate from dangerous zones on a voluntary basis.
