New Delhi, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : India and Liberia have issued a strong condemnation of recent attacks on commercial ships and sailors in the Gulf region and the Black Sea. As co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GOF on S4), both nations have called for an immediate cessation of these assaults that disrupt maritime trade.
In a post shared on social media by India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated, “India and Liberia, as co-chairs of the GOF on S4, condemn the attacks on vessels and seafarers.”
The Permanent Mission’s earlier statement highlighted the unacceptable nature of the recent attacks on commercial ships and crew members in these regions. It emphasized that such violence, which jeopardizes maritime trade and endangers innocent lives, cannot be justified. The two countries appealed for an end to these attacks in the interest of regional peace and stability.
The statement expressed condolences to the families of the sailors who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. India and Liberia initiated the GOF on S4 on September 25, 2026, aiming to enhance cooperation and coordination to prevent such attacks and protect the rights of seafarers.
Earlier, during a weekly press briefing, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the attacks. Jaiswal noted that between Tuesday and Wednesday, four commercial vessels were attacked, which he condemned as a serious threat to the shipping and maritime community.
He detailed the incidents, stating that the first attack occurred on the MV Raiod Mammadov in the Black Sea, injuring one Indian national. The Indian embassy in Romania is in contact with the injured sailor.
Jaiswal also mentioned a second attack on the Togolese-flagged ship, Alphavatan, and a third incident involving the Palauan-flagged MB Cable, which was targeted by a drone. Fortunately, a Bulgarian vessel rescued all 18 crew members, seven of whom were Indian nationals, with one sustaining injuries.
The fourth vessel, the Liberian Aframax Rio, was an oil tanker carrying 23 Indian nationals, all of whom were safely rescued, although one Indian crew member is currently receiving treatment.
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