New York: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has raised serious concerns over repeated attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Glad to co-chair the inaugural meeting of Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers, along with Liberia FM Sara Beysolow Nyanti #GoFonS4 #UNGA81
✅ Highlighted that commercial shipping and mariners have been subjected to repeated attacks in the Gulf, the Red… pic.twitter.com/9PuTWNorWR
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 25, 2026
Speaking at the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, Jaishankar said India and Liberia had joined hands to highlight the safety of ships and seafarers.
He 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.
He also mentioned the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia, attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving an Indian crew member missing.
Remarks to the media on the conclusion of the inaugural meeting of Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers #GoFonS4 #UNGA81 https://t.co/KtKFRbaoHZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 25, 2026
Jaishankar further referred to attacks involving MV Omorfi and MV Golden Leo in the Black Sea. He said MV Omorfi was hit in Russian territorial waters on July 18, killing its Indian chief officer, while MV Golden Leo was struck after leaving Odessa the following day, resulting in the deaths of four Indian seafarers.
“These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible. We are here to not just highlight this dangerous trend, but to urge the international community to close ranks and deter such attacks,” he said.
