According to India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, any form of attack against ships operating in foreign commercial routes is unacceptable in any way whatsoever.

The number of ship attacks within the last eight weeks in the West Asia conflict has gone over a dozen ships, and the perpetrators of such acts include both Iran and the United States. It is important to note that this issue was raised by Jaishankar as millions of Indians work in global shipping companies.

Jaishankar said, "The situation in West Asia requires special attention during these turbulent times. We are all deeply concerned about the conflict and wish for a speedy restoration of normalcy. We strongly oppose the targeting of civilians, infrastructure, and commercial shipping."

Jaishankar further stated, "Safe and unhindered navigation is essential." Importantly, each one of us has deeply felt the economic impact of this conflict. When energy becomes scarce and expensive, it has a profound impact on society as a whole.

Following the conference, the External Affairs Minister posted on the social media platform X, writing, "India is fully committed to ensuring safe and smooth maritime transport. Global economic growth depends on uninterrupted energy supplies, which in turn are anchored in secure sea lanes. Free and secure maritime transit is essential for international trade. Any attack on merchant shipping endangers not only individual countries but the entire global economy."

Since the ongoing conflict in West Asia, at least 16 commercial vessels have been targeted with projectiles, explosive boats, and drones. Seafarer safety is a major concern for India.

From the outbreak of the conflict in West Asia, at least 16 ships have been attacked using projectiles, explosive boats, and drones. The security of seafarers remains one of the major issues of concern for India.

More than 90 percent of these work on foreign ships. Currently, there are 320,000 Indian seafarers working on commercial ships globally, comprising 9-10% of the total maritime labor force worldwide.