In recent days, India and Liberia have reacted to multiple attacks on commercial ships and sailors in the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea, strongly condemning these actions. The two countries emphasized the need for an immediate halt to these incidents to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Condemnation of Attacks and Expression of Sympathy
In a joint statement, India and Liberia deemed these attacks, which disrupt maritime trade and result in the loss of innocent lives, indefensible. They also expressed condolences to the families of sailors who lost their lives in these attacks and wished for the recovery of the injured.
Read more: The Battle of the Houthis and Saudi Forces for Control of Yemen's Heights
The two countries established a group of friends called the "Group of Friends for the Security and Safety of Maritime Transport and Sailors" on September 25, 2026, and announced their readiness to coordinate further efforts to prevent the recurrence of such attacks and protect the rights of sailors.
Details of the Attacks on Ships
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attacks on three commercial ships, including the "Alpha Vatan" flagged under Togo, the "Ebel" flagged under Palau, and the "Aframax Rio" flagged under Liberia. Among the 18 crew members of the "Ebel," seven were Indian nationals, one of whom was injured, and all crew members were transferred to the city of Varna with the help of Bulgarian authorities.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that all 23 crew members of the "Aframax Rio," who were all Indian nationals, were rescued after a separate attack. Meanwhile, the fate of the crew of the "Alpha Vatan" was unclear at the time of this announcement.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randeep Jaiswal, stated that four separate incidents involving commercial ships were reported in the Black Sea region within 48 hours. He also emphasized that attacks on commercial ships continue to be a deep concern for India and stressed that such attacks must cease.
This development comes as India is in contact with Moscow and Kyiv to manage security concerns related to maritime traffic in the Black Sea. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, maritime transport has faced increased risks.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Liberian Foreign Minister Sarah B. Nyanti established this group of friends to enhance international cooperation in maritime safety. Jaishankar noted that in recent months, unacceptable attacks on commercial ships and sailors have been reported, and these actions are indefensible both legally and morally.
Read more: The Fall of the Strategic Port of Mocha to the Iran-Supported Houthis · Increase in Marine Insurance Revenue to $42.6 Billion by 2025
