India, Liberia Launch New Maritime Safety Group Amid Rising Risks To Seafarers

India and Liberia have started a new international group focused on the safety of ships and seafarers. The “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers” was launched at a ministerial-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly. 

The initiative comes as attacks on commercial vessels have continued in parts of the Gulf and the Red Sea. For India, the issue also has a direct connection with its large seafaring workforce. 

Two Countries With Major Maritime Roles 

India is one of the major sources of seafarers for the global shipping industry, while Liberia has the world's largest shipping registry. 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said this was the reason for the two countries coming together to give greater attention to shipping and seafarer security. 

Gulf and Red Sea Attacks Raise Concern 

Speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar referred to repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea and nearby areas. He said such incidents can no longer be treated as exceptional. 

He also pointed to the impact on maritime trade and the people working at sea, saying attacks that disrupt commerce and cost innocent lives are indefensible. 

More Routes Facing Security Risks 

The concerns extend beyond the Gulf and Red Sea. The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb, Black Sea and areas around Somalia are also facing higher risks amid ongoing conflicts. 

Ships travelling through these routes can be exposed to the security situation in the surrounding region. 

Indian Crews Are Also Involved 

Many Indian seafarers work on Indian-flagged as well as foreign-flagged vessels. Some of these ships operate in or pass through the regions where these risks have increased. 

This makes seafarer protection an important part of the issue for India as the new group begins its work. 

Read More: India to Continue Diesel Exports Amid Global Supply Disruptions! 

Conclusion 

The new India-Liberia group brings shipping and seafarer safety into a common international forum. Its formation comes at a time when commercial vessels and their crews are dealing with security risks across several major maritime routes. 

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