Amid growing safety concerns among Indian seafarers following recent attacks on commercial vessels in geographically sensitive areas such as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, India has been asked by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Legal Affairs Committee ( Submitted three documents to the 111th General Assembly of LEG. These submissions address key issues such as seafarer safety, contract terms and broader maritime security challenges. India stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to maritime security and advocated improved terms and conditions for seafarers. While India recognizes the IMO’s efforts to combat maritime fraud, it also recognizes the various maritime risks, including piracy, armed robbery, extremist attacks, regional conflicts, and emerging risks such as drone attacks and the use of maritime weapons. He called for broader international cooperation to address the threat.
Sea piracy is back
Recent incidents of pirate attacks, including a hijacking off the coast of Somalia, suggest a resurgence in piracy. In December 2023 and January 2024, Somali pirates targeted ships such as the MV Ruen and the MV Lila Norfolk. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, India calls for vigilance, proactive measures and international cooperation to combat piracy and protect seafarers.
India also highlights the impact of illegal recruitment practices on seafarers’ well-being and international trade. Since 2020, over 200 cases of seafarer exploitation have been reported to the Indian Maritime Authority. India called for international cooperation to address these issues and ensure seafarers’ rights under the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention.
The maritime industry, vital to global trade, relies heavily on seafarers who often face challenges and risks.
India, which accounts for 9.35% of the world’s seafarers and is ranked third in the world, is a country with a strong commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by recent incidents such as the seizure of the MSC Aries and the detention of MT Heroic Idun in Nigeria. facing problems (this last incident lasted several months).
These events highlight the vulnerability of Indian seafarers, with research showing the majority lacked legal representation, felt mistreated and were unaware of their rights. . India has submitted a document to the IMO Legal Affairs Committee highlighting seafarer safety and contract terms. However, increased international cooperation is needed to protect seafarers and ensure uninterrupted navigation, especially in the face of heightened geopolitical tensions and incidents involving Indian seafarers.
Three years ago, the Indian Maritime Union highlighted a 40% increase in kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea, with 134 cases of assault, injury and intimidation reported. Incidents such as the kidnapping of 20 Indians on the MT Duke off the west coast of Africa, for which the ship’s owner paid a high ransom, highlight the dangers seafarers face.
India’s Rights Initiative
In response, the Government of India and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) launched the Human Rights at Sea initiative. The report reveals cases of seafarers being detained in foreign prisons, stranded in foreign waters, or illegally detained. Human Rights at Sea highlighted abuses against Indian seafarers, with 200 detained in foreign prisons and 65 stranded in Indonesia for 151 days. The NHRC highlights the challenge of holding shipowners accountable for tax evasion violations against Indian seafarers operating under foreign registration, and calls for active cooperation among stakeholders and mechanisms to protect human rights in the maritime industry. emphasized the need.
Maritime piracy is a growing concern for Indian seafarers. Around 250,000 Indian seafarers work on special cargo vessels around the world, and serious piracy incidents have increased by more than 10% in the past 10 months, according to recent data from the International Maritime Bureau. Armed pirates board nearly 90% of targeted cargo ships, putting sailors at risk.
Addressing piracy requires a comprehensive land-based solution. As Björn Højgaard, CEO of Anglo Eastern Univ. Group, a major employer of Indian seafarers, emphasized, private security onboard commercial ships can deter piracy; He emphasized that the prone and unstable nature of the oceans poses challenges.
Additionally, the report suggests that Iranian shipping companies are collaborating with international recruitment agencies to lure Indian seafarers with false promises of high salaries and opportunities in the Middle East and exploit them. I am doing it. Despite paying high fees to secure work overseas, these seafarers face overwork, are underfed, and are forced to transport illegal cargo. There are many.
Seafarers need support
Despite these risks, many Indian seafarers remain committed to their careers at sea, making improved rights and protection essential. India, which currently accounts for 9.35% of the world’s seafaring population, aims to increase its share to 20% in the next 10 to 20 years, with ship management companies playing an important role.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian seafarers have demonstrated their resilience and professionalism, enhancing India’s position in the global maritime market. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has also created an opportunity for new players to enter India’s maritime sector.
Recent attacks on commercial ships have raised safety concerns among Indian seafarers, with some considering resigning due to safety concerns. This highlights the urgent need for increased government support and protective measures.
KM Seethi, a senior fellow at the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR), is the director of the Interuniversity Center for Social Sciences Research and Extension (IUCSSRE) at Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala. He served as senior professor of international relations and dean of social sciences at MGU.
issued – April 25, 2024 12:08 AM IST
