Attacking commercial ships unacceptable: India's red line amid Hormuz tensions
India Today
India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, underscored that targeting commercial vessels and endangering civilian crews cannot be justified under any circumstances.
India on Friday strongly reiterated that attacks on commercial shipping and threats to safe maritime navigation are “unacceptable”, as the West Asia conflict continues to disrupt global energy routes and endanger civilian lives.
Addressing an emergency meeting of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, underscored that targeting commercial vessels, endangering civilian crews and impeding free navigation through key international waterways — including the Strait of Hormuz — cannot be justified under any circumstances.
He stressed that the safety of seafarers and the security of global shipping must remain paramount amid the escalating conflict.
Doraiswami expressed condolences for those killed in the crisis, noting that three Indian seafarers were among seven fatalities reported so far. Four more Indians have been injured and one remains missing. “India remains deeply concerned over the evolving situation,” he said, calling for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy with utmost restraint.
Highlighting India’s stake in global maritime operations, he said the country is among the top three suppliers of seafarers, contributing around 13 per cent of the global workforce. An estimated 23,000 Indian seafarers have been impacted by the ongoing crisis.
Providing operational details, Doraiswami said 24 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region — 22 west of the Strait of Hormuz with 611 Indian crew members onboard, and two east of the strait with 47 seafarers. “All vessels and crews are being monitored closely for their safety and security,” he added.
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