India and Liberia Condemn Ship Attacks in Gulf and Black Sea, Demand Immediate Halt

New Delhi: India and Liberia have strongly condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers in the Gulf region and its surrounding waters, as well as the Black Sea, calling the incidents “completely unacceptable” and demanding an immediate end to such hostilities.

In a joint statement issued by their Permanent Missions to the United Nations, the two countries expressed deep condolences to the families of seafarers who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery. They also pledged to strengthen coordination to prevent similar attacks and safeguard the lives and rights of seafarers.

India and Liberia Call for Stronger Maritime Security
India and Liberia are co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4), an initiative focused on protecting merchant shipping and the people working aboard vessels.

The joint statement highlighted a series of attacks targeting commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf region and nearby waters, alongside similar incidents in the Black Sea. Both countries stressed that attacks disrupting maritime trade and endangering innocent lives cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Focus on Protecting Seafarers and Global Trade
Merchant vessels play a vital role in international trade by transporting essential goods across the world. Attacks on these ships threaten crew members’ lives, disrupt supply chains and undermine maritime security.

India and Liberia reiterated their commitment to closer international coordination to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and strengthen protections for seafarers.

The two countries launched the GoF on S4 on September 25, 2026, according to the statement. Their latest joint appeal underscores the need for collective efforts to ensure safer shipping routes and protect those working at sea.