Jaishankar: Attacks on seafarers are indefensible, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• India and Liberia launched the ‘Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers’ at the UN General Assembly to address attacks on seafarers and maritime commerce.
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condemned these attacks as "indefensible" and "unacceptable," urging international cooperation.
• The initiative aims to highlight threats to civilian shipping in critical regions like the Black Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf.
• India, a major source of seafarers, and Liberia, hosting the largest shipping registry by tonnage, will co-chair the group.
• Recent incidents include the death of an Indian sailor on MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman and a missing crew member from El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz.

Detailed Insights:

• The ‘Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers’ is designed as an inclusive, voluntary, and action-oriented platform for deeper cooperation among member states.
• It seeks to promote the exchange of views, sharing of experiences, and practical cooperation to strengthen existing international frameworks and mandates.
• Maritime shipping accounts for approximately four-fifths of global trade, valued at USD 35 trillion last year, underscoring the economic impact of disruptions.
• Nearly two million seafarers operate the world's merchant fleet, facing significant risks including physical attacks, prolonged confinement, and psychological distress.
• The group comprises major ship-owning nations, countries with large ship registries, and those providing a significant number of seafarers.
• The initiative was launched on the sidelines of the high-level UN General Assembly session, emphasizing its global importance and the need for collective action.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Maritime Security: Protection of ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure from threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities.
• Seafarers: Individuals who work on ships, responsible for the operation, navigation, and maintenance of vessels.
• UN General Assembly: The main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations.
• Shipping Registry: A national administration that registers ships, granting them nationality and regulating their operations.