India, Liberia Strongly Condemn Attacks on Commercial Shipping and Seafarers

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the two countries, which co-chair the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4), described the attacks as unacceptable and indefensible, urging all concerned to stop such actions in the interest of regional peace and stability.

“India and Liberia, as co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and 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, the Black Sea, over the past few days,” the statement said.

The two countries also expressed condolences to the families of seafarers who had lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on September 25, 2026, to strengthen cooperation on maritime safety and the protection of seafarers. Both countries said they were ready to support greater coordination to prevent the recurrence of such attacks and safeguard seafarers’ rights.

The joint condemnation follows India’s separate response to attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea region. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated New Delhi’s opposition to such incidents and called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and restore peace.

Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks threatened commercial shipping and endangered the lives of seafarers.

He cited the attack on the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov, which was operating in the Black Sea with three Indian nationals on board. All three were safe, although one sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.

Jaiswal thanked Romanian authorities for their assistance following the incident.

The coordinated appeal by India and Liberia underscores growing concern over the safety of commercial maritime routes and the risks faced by seafarers amid heightened regional tensions.