NEW DELHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed the creation of a “Seafarers Emergency Support Network” among BRICS nations to assist merchant mariners caught in conflict zones, following the deaths of at least 15 Indian seafarers over the past nine months.
The casualties include 10 seafarers killed in West Asia and five in the Black Sea region.
“Seafarers contribute significantly to global trade, but they often lack support in difficult times,” Modi said during his proposal to BRICS leaders. The framework is designed to connect maritime authorities and diplomatic missions across participating countries to coordinate distress alerts, medical aid, family communications, and emergency evacuations.
The proposal comes amid heightened risks for commercial shipping in key maritime corridors. Two BRICS member states hold prominent positions in the affected maritime regions: Russia in the Black Sea and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Maritime security concerns in West Asia intensified following several targeted attacks on commercial shipping. On the night of July 20, three vessels were struck off the coast of Oman within hours. Among the affected ships was the Kuwait-flagged vessel Kaifan, where an Indian second engineer required hospitalization following the attack. By August 18, commercial shipping companies had evacuated 4,144 Indian seafarers from the region.
“Firing at vessels is not done. Seafarers have no weapon on board,” said an industry representative regarding the attacks. “PM has raised the issue and we welcome it. But now Russia and Iran, who have come for BRICS, can pay homage to families.”
In response to the growing security threats, Indian regulatory bodies have implemented mandatory safety measures for commercial operations. Under a directive issued on August 5 by Indian maritime authorities, shipowners and recruitment agencies are required to notify the Directorate General of Shipping Communication Centre prior to any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The circular also mandates obtaining written consent from every individual Indian seafarer deployed on ships entering the area.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Shipping launched a digital grievance portal named e-Navik in early September. The platform routes distress signals and welfare complaints through a centralized, ticketed workflow to streamline emergency response and assistance for Indian mariners abroad.
Sources
– Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-proposes-brics-distress-network-for-seafarers-amid-death-of-15-sailors-delhi-101789262075577.html
Source: Hindustan Times – India News
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Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
