A crude oil tanker, MT GEM No.2, flagged from Panama and crewed by 22 Indians, was subjected to a drone attack while anchored in Sharjah, UAE. The Indian Government promptly reassured the public on social media that all crew members were safe and that they were actively monitoring the situation, remaining in communication with the ship’s management.
Recent weeks have seen a notable rise in attacks on vessels in the Gulf region and the Black Sea, prompting India and other nations to advocate for enhanced international collaboration to ensure the safety of maritime operations and the well-being of seafarers. In response, a new initiative known as the ‘Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers’ (GoF on S4) has been established, aimed at uniting maritime stakeholders to bolster cooperation and address safety issues for seafarers in global forums.
The inaugural meeting of this group convened in New York, co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister and Liberia’s Foreign Minister, with participation from representatives of 25 countries. Both nations condemned the recent maritime attacks which have severely disrupted trade, caused delays at ports, and created challenges for civilians, ultimately undermining regional peace and stability.
