India's Call for Maritime Safety Amidst Rising Tensions

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswamy emphasizes India's commitment to maritime safety and freedom of navigation at the 36th extraordinary session of the IMO Council in London. He urges de-escalation through dialogue and condemns threats to merchant ships and civilian maritime infrastructure, advocating for coordinated international efforts.

At a recent extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswamy, reiterated the nation's dedication to ensuring the safety of seafarers and maintaining maritime security. He spoke emphatically about the importance of freedom of navigation and the need to protect trade and energy supply chains against disruptions.

Addressing the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, Doraiswamy condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping, including those involving Indian seafarers. He highlighted India's proactive measures, such as a 24/7 helpline and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), established for coordinating rescue efforts and information sharing.

The IMO Council joined India in urging international cooperation to protect civilian shipping routes, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. The session saw participation from more than 120 member states, underlining the global urgency of the issue. The IMO emphasized the need for a maritime safety corridor and called for immediate halts to ship attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)