16 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has strongly condemned repeated attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling the targeting of merchant ships “legally and morally indefensible” at the United Nations. On October 15, 2026, India urged countries involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilian crew members and international maritime routes.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, raised the issue during a United Nations Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East. He stressed that the safety of seafarers remained a priority for the Indian government, particularly as several commercial vessels operating in the region have come under attack.
The government’s statement reflects growing concerns about the risks faced by merchant ships travelling through strategically important waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. These routes are essential for international trade and energy supplies, making maritime security a concern for countries far beyond the immediate conflict zo
India Condemns Attacks on Merchant Vessels
Addressing the UN Security Council, Parvathaneni said attacks on commercial ships, merchant sailors and civilian infrastructure must stop. He warned that repeated incidents risk worsening an already volatile regional situation and called for freedom of navigation and the safe, unhindered movement of maritime trade in accordance with international law.
India has repeatedly expressed concern about attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Gulf region and surrounding waters. The latest remarks follow several incidents involving vessels carrying Indian crew members, prompting the government to coordinate with maritime authorities, shipping companies and regional governments.
New Delhi has maintained that commercial vessels and civilian sailors should not be targeted during armed conflicts. It has also called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the underlying tensions and prevent further loss of life.
Indian Seafarers Face Growing Risks
The government’s concerns follow a series of attacks on merchant vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. On October 11, two vessels, MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera, were attacked in the region.
According to the Indian government, MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers on board reported missing. MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was hit by an unidentified projectile that caused a fire. All 11 Indian crew members aboard MT Valthera were reported safe. Indian officials were coordinating with Omani authorities and the vessels’ management companies to assist the affected crew and search for the missing sailors.
Another incident occurred on October 9, when the Panama-flagged tanker MT GEM NO. 2 was struck by a drone while anchored off Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. All 22 Indian crew members aboard that vessel were reported safe.
These incidents have intensified calls for stronger international cooperation to protect civilian crews and ensure that commercial shipping can continue operating safely through vital maritime corridors
India Calls for De-escalation and Freedom of Navigation
India has urged all parties involved in the West Asia conflict to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution. It has also emphasised that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be respected.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important to India because of its role in international energy transportation and global commerce. Disruptions in the waterway can affect shipping schedules, energy supplies and economic activity across multiple countries.
India has reiterated that international law must be respected and that commercial vessels should be able to navigate international waterways without being subjected to military attacks. It has called for the earliest possible restoration of safe and uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
India and Liberia Launch Maritime Safety Initiative
India and Liberia have also taken steps to strengthen international cooperation on maritime security. The two countries launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on September 25, 2026.
The initiative seeks to improve coordination among participating countries, discourage attacks on commercial vessels and safeguard the rights and welfare of seafarers. In a joint statement issued on October 8, the two countries condemned attacks on commercial ships and sailors in the Gulf region and the Black Sea, calling for an immediate end to such incidents.
India has also supported the idea of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network to improve coordination between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions. Such a mechanism could assist with emergency alerts, medical support, communication with families and evacuation when sailors face danger.
Safety of Civilian Crews Remains a Priority
India’s latest statement at the UN underscores the importance of protecting seafarers regardless of their nationality or the flag under which their vessels operate. Indian nationals serve aboard ships operating across major international trade routes, exposing them to risks when regional conflicts spill over into commercial waterways.
The government has said it will continue coordinating with relevant countries, maritime agencies and shipping companies to assist Indian crew members affected by attacks.