India and Liberia have established a “Group of Friends” to enhance shipping safety and protect seafarers amid rising threats, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. This initiative, announced during the 81st UN General Assembly, aims for international cooperation to address increasing attacks on maritime commerce.
During a recent UN Security Council meeting, India underscored that navigational rights must remain free from coercion and unlawful restrictions. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni emphasized the importance of secure maritime routes for global peace and economic stability, highlighting the risks posed by attacks on seafarers and advocating for international cooperation in ensuring their safety.
Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard the MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, facing life-threatening conditions due to ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urgently called for action from shipowners and government officials to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
A significant advancement for India’s maritime workforce has been announced with the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of Indian seafarers and improve operational efficiency at the nation’s ports.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador after an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near Odesa, which killed an Indian seafarer. The MEA condemned the assaults on commercial shipping and urged Ukraine to prioritize the safety of civilian seafarers, emphasizing the need for diplomatic action.
Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. This partnership will leverage EIL’s expertise in engineering and project management to support the DGMA in planning and executing various maritime projects, promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
The Indian government has approved a financial package of Rs 69,725 crore to enhance the domestic shipbuilding sector. This initiative includes the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme with Rs 24,736 crore allocated to reduce cost disadvantages for Indian shipyards, alongside a Maritime Development Fund of Rs 25,000 crore for long-term support.
During the 21st East Asia Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for dialogue to resolve the West Asia conflict, emphasizing the need for safety in international waterways. He condemned attacks on seafarers and stressed that international law must govern maritime operations, highlighting the global economy’s vulnerability amid rising tensions.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, effective March 15, 2026, enhancing India’s maritime regulatory framework. This legislation addresses seafarers’ rights and welfare, incorporating international safety standards amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration emphasizes protective measures for Indian seafarers in sensitive regions.
During his visit to New Delhi, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez urged India to collaborate on ensuring the neutrality of the Panama Canal amid rising geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that the canal, a vital international asset, requires collective respect and governance to maintain its sovereignty and effectiveness in global trade.
India’s Maritime Vision 2047 aims to elevate the maritime sector, positioning it as a key driver in the nation’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy. By enhancing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and integrating maritime activities with other sectors, the initiative seeks to boost economic growth and bolster India’s global competitiveness.
India summoned a senior Russian diplomat to express “grave concerns” after a missile strike killed four Indian nationals aboard the cargo ship Golden Leo in the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the targeting of commercial vessels, deeming the loss of civilian lives “unacceptable” and threatening maritime safety.
India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2028–29, prioritizing maritime security and seafarer safety. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a rule-based maritime order and collective action against threats to sea lanes, aiming to enhance global shipping safety and counter terror financing.
The ministry has approved a greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar, along with a ship repair facility in Vadinar. Spanning 2,000 acres, it will feature advanced shipyards and manufacturing units, aiming to produce large vessels with an annual capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities.
In response to rising maritime tensions in West Asia, India has implemented real-time tracking for its seafarers in the Gulf region. This initiative, prompted by missile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, aims to enhance safety measures and ensure swift intervention during emergencies, reflecting New Delhi’s commitment to maritime security.
