Liberia, India Condemn Attacks on Ships, Seafarers

By Lincoln G. Peters

MONROVIA / NEW DELHI, October 9, 2026 — Liberia and India have jointly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf and Black Sea, describing the incidents as indefensible and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities threatening international maritime trade and human lives.

The two countries, serving as co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4), expressed serious concern over the attacks, warning that violence against commercial shipping threatens maritime safety, disrupts global trade and endangers innocent seafarers.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, October 8, Liberia and India described the reported attacks as unacceptable and called for urgent measures to prevent further incidents.

The statement characterized attacks that disrupt maritime commerce and claim innocent lives as “simply indefensible.”

“We call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” the two countries declared.

The joint statement also extended condolences to families of seafarers reportedly killed in the attacks and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Liberia and India emphasized the importance of protecting commercial vessels and their crews, stressing that seafarers should not become targets of violence while carrying out their professional responsibilities.

The condemnation comes as concerns persist over maritime security in strategic shipping corridors, where attacks on commercial vessels can threaten international supply chains and the movement of essential goods.

Liberia and India launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on September 25, 2026, as an international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among countries to protect merchant shipping and seafarers.

The initiative seeks to promote coordination among participating states, strengthen maritime security and encourage collective action against threats to commercial shipping.

According to the joint statement, the group stands ready to support greater international coordination to discourage further attacks and safeguard the rights and safety of seafarers.

The two countries stressed that seafarers remain central to global commerce, transporting goods and supporting international trade across major maritime routes.

Liberia’s involvement in the initiative reflects its position as the world’s largest ship registry, while India’s participation underscores its role as one of the world’s major suppliers of maritime personnel.

The two countries therefore have significant interests in ensuring that international shipping routes remain safe and that merchant vessels and crews are protected from violence.

Their joint appeal highlights growing international concern over threats to maritime operations and calls for stronger cooperation to prevent further attacks on commercial shipping.

Liberia and India reiterated their commitment to promoting maritime safety and supporting international efforts to protect seafarers and ensure the uninterrupted movement of legitimate maritime trade.

— The New Dawn

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