During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network aimed at safeguarding crew members affected by rising conflicts in global shipping routes. This initiative seeks to establish a connection between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions to facilitate distress alerts, medical assistance, family communication, and evacuation support in emergencies.
The proposal is particularly timely, as around 15 Indian sailors have lost their lives in recent attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia. The global shipping industry is currently facing an unprecedented convergence of maritime crises, with four regions—the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, waters off Somalia, and the Black Sea—experiencing simultaneous threats like never before. Modi highlighted the crucial role of seafarers in global trade, stressing the need for better support during challenging times.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed its commitment to pursue this initiative, anticipating support from various countries. Since the onset of regional conflicts, at least 24 commercial vessels have been targeted, and ongoing Houthi attacks have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, leading to rerouted vessels and increased transit times. With over 300,000 seafarers, India ranks among the top three nations globally, making the protection of its maritime workforce a key priority.
