India, Liberia Condemn Attacks On Commercial Ships In Gulf, Black Sea, Call For Immediate Halt

India and Liberia have strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf and its surrounding waters, as well as the Black Sea, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and stronger international coordination to protect maritime trade and crew members.

The two countries, which co-chair the United Nations’ Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4), issued a joint statement describing the attacks as “simply indefensible” and warning that they disrupt maritime commerce and claim innocent lives.

The statement was shared by India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

What Did India-Liberia Joint Statement Say?

India and Liberia condemned what they described as a series of unacceptable attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf region and the Black Sea over the past few days.

“India and Liberia, as co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers (GoF on S4), strongly condemn the string of unacceptable attacks that commercial ships and seafarers have been subjected to in the Gulf and its vicinity, and the Black Sea, over the past few days,” the statement said.

The two countries called for an immediate cessation of the attacks, stressing that protecting civilian shipping was essential to maintaining regional peace and stability.

“These actions that disrupt maritime trade and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible. We call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” the statement added.

India and Liberia also expressed their deepest condolences to the families of seafarers killed in the attacks and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

India, Liberia Call For Greater Maritime Security Coordination

The two countries said the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers was ready to support greater international coordination to prevent further attacks and safeguard seafarers’ rights.

The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among countries in response to growing threats to commercial shipping and the safety of civilian crews operating in international waters.

The group was launched on September 25, 2026, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session, against the backdrop of a series of attacks on commercial vessels that have killed dozens of seafarers, including several Indians.

Jaishankar Urges International Community To Act

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also called for coordinated international action to address threats to commercial shipping.

“From the Black Sea to the Red Sea to the Gulf, attacks on civilian shipping have become a growing cause of concern. These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible,” Jaishankar said during a meeting of the group.

He urged the international community to “close ranks and deter such attacks”, highlighting the need for collective efforts to protect maritime routes and the people who operate commercial vessels.

The latest India-Liberia statement reinforces concerns over the safety of international shipping lanes, which are vital to global trade, energy supplies and the movement of goods. Both countries have called for an immediate end to attacks and stronger cooperation to prevent further loss of life.