India calls for decisive action against attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers

New Delhi, Sept 25 (KUNA) -- Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called on the international community today to take decisive action against the growing attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers. Speaking at the opening meeting of the Friends of Shipping and Seafarers’ Safety and Security group, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said the meeting aims to highlight issues concerning the safety and security of shipping and seafarers. He added, “In recent months, commercial shipping and seafarers have faced repeated attacks in the Gulf region, the Red Sea, and surrounding areas. Such unacceptable acts are also occurring in the Black Sea.” The Indian minister urged the international community to take concrete measures to deter the repeated targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers. He noted, “Attacks on civilian vessels, from the Black Sea to the Red Sea and on to the Gulf, have become a growing source of concern. These acts, which disrupt maritime trade and cost innocent lives, are simply unjustifiable practices.” Jaishankar pointed out that global international trade exceeds $140 billion daily, with oceans supporting more than 80 percent of these activities. He emphasized, “Our supply chains are closely interlinked, making the security of shared maritime routes critically important. Nearly two million seafarers operate the global commercial fleet, often navigating through turbulent waters.” (End) a.t.k / m.a.h.w