India, Liberia Condemn Attacks on Commercial Ships and Seafarers in Gulf, Black Sea

October 9, 2026

United Nations: India and Liberia have strongly condemned a series of attacks targeting commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf and its surrounding areas, as well as the Black Sea, calling for an immediate end to hostilities to protect maritime trade and the lives of crew members.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, October 8, the two countries described the attacks as “simply indefensible”, warning that such incidents disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives.

India and Liberia are co-chairs of the United Nations’ Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4). The statement was shared by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.

India, Liberia Call for Immediate End to Attacks

The joint statement condemned the recent attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf and its vicinity and the Black Sea, calling for an immediate cessation of such incidents in the interest of peace and regional stability.

“These actions that disrupt maritime trade and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible,” the statement said.

The two countries also expressed their deepest condolences to the families of seafarers who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

They reaffirmed their readiness to support greater international coordination to prevent further attacks and safeguard the rights of seafarers.

What Is the Group of Friends on Shipping Safety?

The Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers was launched by India and Liberia on September 25, 2026, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation on maritime safety, protect seafarers and discourage attacks on commercial vessels.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also called for closer international cooperation to address threats to civilian shipping, warning that attacks across the Black Sea, Red Sea and Gulf are becoming a growing concern for maritime commerce and human safety.

Recent Ship Attacks Raise Concerns Over Indian Seafarers

The joint statement comes amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region, several of which involved Indian nationals.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently condemned attacks on the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan, the Palau-flagged Able and the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio.

Seven Indian nationals were among the 18 crew members aboard the Able when it came under attack. All crew members were rescued, although one Indian sailor was injured and received medical attention.

All 23 crew members aboard the Aframax Rio were Indian nationals, and they were rescued following a separate attack. In another incident involving the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov, three Indian nationals were on board, with one reported injured.

India has reiterated that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers must stop and that free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways must be restored.

The latest joint appeal by India and Liberia highlights growing international concern over maritime security and the need for coordinated efforts to protect civilian vessels, international trade and seafarers working in high-risk waters.