25 Jul India’s Foreign Policy Must Look Seaward
Why in News?
An editorial by former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin argues that India’s foreign policy must place greater emphasis on protecting Indian seafarers, especially in light of the recent conflicts in West Asia, attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Context
- India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of merchant seafarers.
- Ongoing conflicts in West Asia have exposed Indian seafarers to missile attacks, piracy, detention, abandonment, and hostage situations.
- Unlike military personnel, merchant seafarers often become unintended victims of geopolitical conflicts.
India’s Maritime Workforce: Key Facts
- India has approximately 3.2 lakh seafarers (June 2025).
- The workforce has tripled since 2014.
- India ranks second globally, after the Philippines, in supplying merchant seafarers.
- Indian seafarers account for over 12% of the global maritime workforce.
- According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF):
- 1,125 Indian seafarers were abandoned in 2025, the highest among all countries.
Challenges Faced by Indian Seafarers
1. Multiple Jurisdictions
- Seafarers work on ships registered under different flags.
- They frequently move across several countries during a voyage.
- Responsibility for their protection often remains unclear.
2. Conflict Zones
Recent maritime conflicts have exposed seafarers to:
- Missile attacks
- Drone strikes
- Sea mines
- Piracy
- Hostage-taking
- Arbitrary detention
Major risk regions include:
- Red Sea
- Black Sea
- Gulf of Aden
- West African waters
- Strait of Hormuz
3. Weak Consular Protection
- Indian embassies often become aware of stranded seafarers only after an emergency.
- No dedicated maritime consular mechanism exists.
- Coordination among governments, ship owners, insurers, and flag states remains inadequate.
4. Crew Abandonment
Many seafarers are abandoned when:
- Owners become insolvent.
- Ships are detained.
- Wages are unpaid.
- Repatriation is delayed.
5. Lack of Transparency
Before joining a ship, many seafarers do not know:
- Ownership details.
- Flag state.
- Insurance status.
- Sanctions risks.
- Voyage route.
- Conflict exposure.
Recent Government Measures
Following the escalation in West Asia:
- Government announced a “Seafarer First” response.
- Advisory issued to avoid deploying Indian seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Proposal for a dashboard to monitor:
- Ship movements
- Threat levels
- Crew welfare
- Appointment of liaison officers for affected families.
Gaps in the Current System
Technology Alone Is Not Enough
- Ship-tracking apps can locate vessels.
- They cannot:
- Rescue detained seafarers.
- Ensure access to consular services.
- Compel ship owners or flag states to act.
Absence of Maritime Consular Protocol
India lacks:
- Dedicated maritime officers in embassies.
- Standard operating procedures during emergencies.
- Port-specific crisis response systems.
Insufficient International Standards
Existing bilateral maritime agreements:
- Recognize Indian certificates.
- Improve employment opportunities.
However, they generally do not cover:
- Legal assistance
- Detention procedures
- Crew repatriation
- Consular access
- Welfare during armed conflicts
Suggested Reforms
1. Permanent Maritime Crisis Mechanism
- Real-time monitoring dashboard.
- Family liaison officers.
- Centralized emergency response.
2. Maritime Consular Network
Indian missions in major ports should have officers specializing in:
- Port authorities
- Maritime law
- Hospitals
- Insurance claims
- Crew welfare
3. Stronger International Cooperation
India should work with:
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Major seafarer-supplying countries (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia)
To establish common standards on:
- Repatriation
- Detention
- Conflict-zone deployment
- Crew welfare
4. Protect Commercial Shipping
India should consistently oppose attacks on merchant vessels regardless of:
- Ship ownership
- Cargo
- Flag state
Safe sea lanes are meaningful only when civilian crews are protected.
5. Right to Information for Seafarers
Before signing employment contracts, seafarers should be informed about:
- Ship ownership
- Flag state
- Insurance validity
- Sanctions status
- Voyage route
- Conflict risks
They should also have the right to refuse deployment to designated high-risk regions without penalty.
Government Action on Crew Abandonment
- On 14 May, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) prohibited licensed recruitment agencies from placing Indian seafarers on 366 vessels linked to crew abandonment, unless specified compliance conditions were fulfilled.
- Recruitment agencies should disclose this information before contracts are signed.
Significance for India’s Foreign Policy
India’s maritime diplomacy should expand beyond:
- Ports
- Shipping corridors
- Naval deployments
- Maritime trade
It should also prioritize:
- Protection of Indian citizens working at sea.
- Maritime labour rights.
- Crisis response mechanisms.
- Consular preparedness.
Conclusion
As India’s maritime workforce grows, protecting Indian seafarers must become an integral part of India’s foreign policy. A “Seafarer First” approach requires stronger diplomatic coordination, institutional mechanisms, international legal standards, and proactive consular support to ensure that Indian seafarers are protected wherever they serve.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. With reference to Indian seafarers, consider the following statements:
- India is the world’s largest supplier of merchant seafarers.
- The International Transport Workers’ Federation records cases of crew abandonment globally.
- Merchant seafarers may come under multiple legal jurisdictions during a single voyage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
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