India stresses security of seafarers as "high priority" after Indian vessel sinks off Yemen; calls for safe, unimpeded passage
New Delhi, August 7
The Ministry of External Affairs has underscored that the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers remain a matter of "high importance," following the sinking of an Indian-flagged commercial vessel in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen.
Addressing the media during a bi-weekly briefing in New Delhi on Friday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed the government's response to the incident involving the vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which was targeted earlier in the week.
"This is a subject of high importance and we attach high priority to the issue. Our missions all across the Gulf region are in constant contact with shipping, as also with maritime authorities in those countries and other authorities as well," Jaiswal stated, highlighting that Indian missions are operating 24/7 helplines to support affected individuals.
Jaiswal reiterated India's call for safe, unimpeded navigation and the protection of global commerce.
"While we are coordinating with the Ministry of Shipping and local authorities in the West Asia and Gulf region, we continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the free flow of commerce through international waterways. We also call upon all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure and civilians, especially commercial vessels and seafarers," he added.
The MEA had previously condemned the attack on the vessel, confirming that all 13 Indian nationals onboard, part of a total crew of 14, were successfully rescued.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal echoed these concerns, emphasising swift rescue coordination:
"India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha."
The Minister added that the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) has been instructed to coordinate across agencies to ensure ongoing security for Indian seafarers in the area.
The attack underscores renewed maritime security anxieties in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, where commercial shipping continues to face regional threats.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a concerning trend in the Red Sea region. India's proactive approach in coordinating rescue efforts and setting up 24/7 helplines is commendable. International waters should remain safe for all commercial vessels.
As a country with millions of citizens working abroad, especially in the Gulf, this hits close to home. The MEA's quick response and the minister's assurance show that our government prioritizes the safety of its people. But we need stronger international cooperation to stop such attacks altogether.
Good to see India taking a firm stance on this. The Red Sea is a vital trade route, and any disruption affects the global economy, including our own. The rescue of all 13 Indian nationals is a relief, but we must also address the root cause of these attacks in the region.
It's reassuring to see India actively working with other nations in the Gulf region to ensure maritime safety. The free flow of commerce through international waterways benefits everyone. I hope the international community takes note and strengthens collective security measures.
While I appreciate the government's swift response and the safe rescue, I feel we need to do more to prevent such incidents. Our missions being in constant contact is good, but what about proactive measures? Calling for safe navigation is important, but action speaks louder than words. Let's see more concrete steps in the future.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.