SEAFARER SAFETY
India miffed over 'Ukrainian' drone strike on oil tanker
Aa Ukrainian drone assault targeted the Liberian-flagged Aframax Rio, carrying Indian citizens off the coast of Sochi. Fortunately, all 23 crew members were rescued after the fire broke out. India's Ministry of External Affairs has called for open dialogue to safeguard seafarers and ensure the freedom of navigation, stressing the critical need to restore international maritime safety and trade stability.
A global job spinner for Indians is now turning into a death trap
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, but its growing presence aboard global merchant ships has also left more Indians exposed to wars, piracy and unsafe working conditions. Recent attacks in the Black Sea and off Oman have put the spotlight on how India is trying to protect its maritime workforce through tighter regulation, repatriation efforts, real-time tracking and international cooperation.
23 Indian seafarers reported safe after Ukrainian drone attack sets fire to oil tanker off Russian coast
A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying an Indian crew caught fire off Russia's Black Sea coast following a Ukrainian drone attack, with all 23 crew members safely rescued. India condemned ongoing maritime attacks, urging dialogue and diplomacy to protect global commerce and seafarers.
MEA condemns Black Sea attack that killed two seafarers, expresses grave concern over strikes on commercial shipping
India has condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MV ROYAD MAMMADOV that resulted in two fatalities. All three Indian nationals aboard the ship have been reported safe, with one receiving medical attention. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts affecting commercial shipping. Indian authorities are in close contact with Romanian officials to support the injured crew members.
All three Indians safe after commercial vessel attacked in Black Sea; 2 foreign nationals killed
A commercial vessel named MV ROYAD MAMMADOV was attacked in the Black Sea, resulting in casualties. Three Indian nationals were among the crew members, with one sustaining injuries during the incident. The Indian Embassy in Romania confirmed the safety of the Indian nationals and is providing necessary support. Indian Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra confirmed their condition after visiting them at the hospital.
4,500+ Indian seafarers in Persian Gulf under close watch amid rising maritime threats: MEA
India is currently overseeing the well-being of more than 4,500 Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf. Of this number, 163 seafarers are on board 12 commercial vessels, which include both Indian and foreign ships. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with local stakeholders to ensure their safety and welfare. Recent maritime threats have raised international concerns regarding shipping safety in the region.
DGMA extends validity of seafarer competency certificates amidst continuing Gulf crisis
This decision comes due to continued maritime security issues in West Asia and surrounding regions. Indian seafarers on vessels may face issues with certificate renewal or revalidation as a result of these challenges. The extension applies to various statutory certificates held by Indian seafarers working onboard.
Will exercise right to defend against terrorism: India at UN
India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar emphasized the nation's right to defend itself against terrorism. He asserted that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism and condemned state-sponsored actions. Jaishankar highlighted the unacceptable attacks on commercial vessels, which have resulted in the loss of Indian seafarers. He reiterated the need for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in West Asia.
'A terrorist country is asking me that question, come on': Jaishankar's blunt retort to Pakistani reporter at UN briefing in New York
S Jaishankar firmly responded to a heckling question from a Pakistani reporter at a press conference. The event was held during the High Level Week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. India continues to emphasize Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and urges credible actions against it. Recent attacks, including the Pahalgam terror attack, were acknowledged internationally for their severity.
'Pakistan spreads lies on the world forum': Defence expert Anil Gaur backs Jaishankar's response to Pak reporter
Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur supported Jaishankar's condemnation of Pakistan's actions concerning terrorism. Gaur highlighted Pakistan's admission of needing to control its terrorists during a UN address. Jaishankar firmly responded to a Pakistani reporter at a press conference regarding terrorism queries. India's actions against cross-border terrorism have garnered international recognition and resulted in increased scrutiny on Pakistan.
Jaishankar meets Russia, Iran foreign ministers at UNGA days after Trump signs sanctions law
During the UN General Assembly, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conferred with officials from Russia and Iran, highlighting vital areas like bilateral ties, BRICS collaboration, and the Gulf conflict. He reaffirmed India's focus on energy security in light of recent US sanctions. Furthermore, Jaishankar participated in discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council to fortify partnerships, alongside co-chairing a dialogue centered on the ramifications of artificial intelligence on maritime security.
India, GCC review cooperation, welcome launch of FTA negotiations at New York meeting
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council held a Troika Ministerial Meeting to review their Joint Action Plan. The meeting included discussions on regional and international issues, including the situation in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and cultural ties.
Manipur CM announces financial aid for women street vendors at Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan event in Moirang. He announced a financial assistance scheme for women street vendors before Ningol Chakouba, 2026. The Chief Minister emphasized the negative impact of recent crises on the State's economy and revenue. Singh urged unity among communities to restore peace after the crisis period.
At UNGA, India launches maritime safety group to protect ships and seafarers
India and Liberia have joined forces to establish a 'Group of Friends' dedicated to improving the safety of shipping and seafarers. This timely initiative comes in response to a worrying rise in maritime attacks, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. During the 81st UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S.
EAM Jaishankar emphasizes Global South cooperation on challenges like energy, food security at UNGA
S Jaishankar emphasized the need for collaboration among Global South countries during a recent UN General Assembly meeting. He addressed challenges such as supply chain disruptions, energy security, and food security. The minister called for actions to improve agricultural supply chains and enhance industrial production capabilities. He also raised concerns regarding the influence of artificial intelligence on global cooperation.
Vladimir Putin sends message on PM Narendra Modi's birthday; highlights role in strengthening Russia-India ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, praising his contribution to strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership and calling their recent Delhi talks substantive and productive. Putin thanked Modi for his hospitality during the BRICS Summit visit, while both leaders discussed closer trade, energy, infrastructure, technology, defence and cooperation on regional and global issues.
Modi asks BRICS to remove top 10 trade barriers, pitches India as ‘economic bridge’ amid global uncertainty
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS members to identify and remove their top 10 trade barriers, saying India was building “economic bridges” as protectionism rises globally. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, he also stressed secure maritime routes and seafarer safety for uninterrupted trade.
At BRICS, PM Modi calls for replacing 'pyramid of privilege' with 'platform of partnership'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Global South to become rule shapers in global governance. He advocated for transforming the existing pyramid of privilege into a platform of partnership. Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform under the BRICS framework. He also called for a Seafarers' Emergency Support Network to aid sailors. The summit addressed economic headwinds and geopolitical instability affecting developing nations.
BRICS 2026: PM Modi calls for top 10 trade barriers to be removed; says India is building ‘economic bridges’ to shield Global South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS members to identify and remove their top 10 trade barriers as the grouping enters its third decade, saying India is building economic bridges as trade barriers rise globally. At the BRICS Business Forum, Modi also positioned India as a source of growth, stability and global solutions.
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