Updated on: Oct 9, 2026, 09:14:43 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India and Liberia have strongly condemned recent attacks targeting commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf and its vicinity and the Black Sea, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and greater coordination to protect maritime trade and the lives of crew members.
India and Liberia described the attacks as “simply indefensible” and said they disrupted maritime trade and cost innocent lives. (AP Photo) The countries, which are co-chairs of the United Nations' Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers, issued a joint statement condemning the attacks In the statement shared by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, the two countries described the attacks as “simply indefensible” and said they disrupted maritime trade and cost innocent lives.
What did the joint statement say?
The joint statement issued by India and Liberia called for an immediate end to such attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region.
“India and Liberia, as co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & 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, and the Black Sea, over the past few days,” the statement said.
It further added, “These actions that disrupt maritime trade and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible.
We call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region.” The countries also extended their “deepest condolences” to the families of the seafarers who had lost their lives in the attacks, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.
What is the GoF on S4?
The recent statement by India and Liberia highlighted that the GoF on S4 was “ready to support more coordination to discourage recurrence of such attacks and to safeguard the rights of seafarers.” The group was launched on September 25, 2026 on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
It was intended to address a recent spate of attacks on commercial vessels on the high seas, which have led to deaths of dozens of seafarers, including several Indians.
“From the Black Sea to the Red Sea to the Gulf, attacks on civilian shipping have become a growing cause of concern.
These actions that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives are simply indefensible,” external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said during a meeting of the group.
Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.
The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals.
The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments.
Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources.
Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available.
