Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concerns over repeated attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, Red Sea, and its vicinity. He made these remarks during the establishment of a 'group of friends' on the safety and security of shipping and seafarers.
On Friday, Jaishankar emphasized that attacks on seafarers and commercial ships have become frequent occurrences and the loss of lives is indefensible. His comments followed an incident where an Indian seafarer was killed off the coast of Oman, marking the 11th death of an Indian ship crew member since the war in West Asia began. The minister highlighted that in the last few months, commercial shipping and mariners have faced repeated attacks in the region.
Jaishankar added that India, as a major source of seafarers, and Liberia, as the largest shipping registry, have come together to emphasize the importance of safety and security for shipping and seafarers. The 'group of friends' was announced on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
PTI reported that Jaishankar stated, ‘In the last few months, commercial shipping and mariners have been subjected to repeated attacks in the Gulf, the Red Sea, and its vicinity. These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible.’
The war in West Asia started when the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran’s action posed an existential threat to Israel. Washington acts as a guarantor of Israel's security.
Source:
Scroll.in
