India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, firmly stated that assaults on commercial vessels and actions that put civilian crew members at risk cannot be defended or justified under any circumstances. Reaffirming its position on Friday, India strongly emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping and any threats to the safety of maritime navigation are completely unacceptable, particularly at a time when the ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to disrupt vital global energy routes and place civilian lives in jeopardy.
While addressing an emergency session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, Doraiswami highlighted that deliberate targeting of commercial ships, endangering innocent seafarers, and obstructing the free movement of vessels through crucial international waterways — such as the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz — are actions that cannot be tolerated under any situation. He reiterated that ensuring the safety and well-being of seafarers, along with maintaining the security and stability of global shipping operations, must remain a top priority amid the intensifying regional conflict.
Doraiswami also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the crisis. He pointed out that among the seven fatalities reported so far, three were Indian seafarers. In addition, four Indian nationals have sustained injuries, while one individual is still unaccounted for. Expressing serious concern over the rapidly evolving situation, he stressed the urgent need for de-escalation and called for all parties involved to adopt a restrained approach, prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions over further confrontation.
Emphasizing India’s significant role in the global maritime sector, Doraiswami noted that the country ranks among the top three providers of seafarers worldwide, contributing approximately 13 percent of the global maritime workforce. He further revealed that nearly 23,000 Indian seafarers have been affected in some way by the ongoing crisis, underlining the scale of the issue for India.
Providing specific operational insights, he stated that there are currently 24 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 22 vessels are located to the west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying a total of 611 Indian crew members, while the remaining two vessels are positioned to the east of the strait with 47 seafarers onboard. He assured that all these vessels and their crews are under continuous and close monitoring to ensure their safety and security.
Doraiswami also cautioned that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passageway for global oil and gas transportation — could have serious and far-reaching consequences, not only for India’s economy but also for global humanitarian needs and energy supply chains. The strait’s stability, he noted, is essential for maintaining the smooth flow of international trade and energy distribution.
In response to the crisis, India has activated several support and emergency measures. These include a round-the-clock helpline available for seafarers of all nationalities, the deployment of a quick response team by the Directorate General of Shipping, and the establishment of a dedicated control room by the Ministry of External Affairs to assist affected crew members and their families.
Additionally, Doraiswami raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of such attacks, warning of the increased risk of marine pollution resulting from damage to commercial vessels. He called for stronger global cooperation and more effective coordination mechanisms, including improved information-sharing systems, to address these challenges collectively.
His statements come at a time when the conflict in West Asia is intensifying, leading to widespread global चिंता over energy security and disruptions in international shipping. India has consistently urged an immediate reduction in tensions to prevent further escalation.
A day before this address, the Ministry of External Affairs described the situation as a critical and challenging period for the international community, while reaffirming that India remains actively engaged with various stakeholders to safeguard energy supplies and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also held discussions with several global leaders, emphasizing the importance of preserving safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He has consistently advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the primary means to resolve the conflict.
India has maintained a clear and consistent stance throughout, asserting that attacks on civilian populations and critical energy infrastructure are unacceptable. It has been warned that such actions have the potential to further destabilize an already volatile region and significantly disrupt essential global supply chains, with consequences that could extend far beyond the immediate area of conflict.
