India strongly condemned the attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers during the Gulf conflict at the UN General Assembly, calling such actions “simply unacceptable.” The External Affairs Minister urged all parties to exercise restraint, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce.
The recently launched “Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers,” co-chaired by India and Liberia, aims to enhance maritime safety. With representatives from 25 countries, the coalition seeks to combat piracy, protect commercial routes, and prioritize seafarers’ welfare in response to rising threats against global shipping.
A senior Yemeni official has expressed alarm over the Houthi militia’s manipulation of maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, labeling it a serious threat to Yemen and the global economy. He cautioned against trusting the Houthis’ “false promises,” emphasizing the need for sustainable maritime security amid ongoing conflict.
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.
The International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General has declared it illegal for nations to impose fees on vessels in international straits. This statement arises as Iran proposes tolls for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, raising concerns about maritime law and regional stability.
A week after the Houthis advanced past the IRG forces, South West Yemen appears stabilized. They’ve seized Perim Island and the Ras Menhali peninsula, yet their control remains tenuous. The Houthis are fortifying positions and establishing local governance, reflecting a strategic takeover amid the IRG’s internal divisions. Maritime traffic continues, but risks loom.
Eighty countries condemned Iran and its Houthi allies for attacks threatening international trade and energy security, calling for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister highlighted the dangers posed by escalating conflicts, emphasizing a united front to protect maritime security and ensure stability in the region.
Two additional tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring two crew members. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported one tanker hit by a projectile, while another confronted debris from unknown sources. Both vessels managed to continue their routes, but the incidents highlight a troubling rise in maritime aggression.
On September 20, the Liberia-flagged LPG tanker M.T. Al Maryah was struck by a drone while navigating near the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, the vessel and its 19 crew members, including nine Indians, sustained no significant damage. Maritime authorities are now monitoring the safety of vessels and seafarers in the region.
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.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the military escalation by Houthi forces in Yemen, emphasizing threats to civilian safety and regional stability. The Council called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of detainees, including UN personnel, while reiterating support for Yemen’s sovereignty and urging diplomatic efforts for peace.
The Saudi defense ministry announced that the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, consisting of 41 nations, is nearing operational status. This coalition aims to secure vital maritime routes like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Recently, it achieved Initial Operational Capability, marking a significant step towards ensuring safe shipping traffic.
On September 17, 2026, a vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, raising maritime security concerns. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the crew is safe, but details about the vessel and the attack remain undisclosed. Authorities are investigating, urging caution for vessels in the vital shipping lane.
On Wednesday, only three commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz, a sharp decline from 12 the previous day and well below the 10-day average of 17. This may not reflect actual traffic levels, as vessels with disabled tracking systems could be unaccounted for, suggesting significant changes in shipping patterns.
Finnish authorities conducted a live drill in the Baltic Sea, boarding a vessel to combat the rising threat of undersea sabotage. This exercise, prompted by recent damage to critical infrastructure, involved coast guard and police securing the ship. Officials stress the need for enhanced readiness amid evolving security challenges in the region.
