Why Are Indian Seafarers Asking the Navy to Protect Merchant Ships?

The sinking of an Indian-flagged cargo vessel in the Red Sea has reignited concerns over the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers navigating some of the world's most dangerous shipping lanes. The incident has now prompted a call for stronger naval protection, with the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to safeguard Indian crews and merchant vessels operating in conflict-hit waters.

The appeal comes a day after MSV Faize Noore Oliya, carrying 13 Indian crew members, came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Bab-el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen before sinking. All 13 Indians were rescued, but the incident has intensified fears that merchant ships are increasingly becoming collateral victims of global conflicts.

Why are Indian seafarers demanding Navy protection?

In an urgent letter to the Prime Minister, the FSUI said commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea and Black Sea have effectively become "active danger zones" as conflicts involving Iran, Israel, the United States and the continuing Russia-Ukraine war spill into vital maritime corridors. The union warned that repeated missile and drone attacks on merchant vessels have turned routine commercial voyages into high-risk missions, exposing civilian seafarers to life-threatening dangers.

What happened to the Indian vessel?

According to the union, MSV Faize Noore Oliya was attacked while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on August 4. Yemen's government-aligned National Resistance Forces have attributed the attack to the Houthis. The Ministry of External Affairs later confirmed that all 13 Indian crew members had been rescued and said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure their safety.

Why is the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait so crucial?

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. A significant share of global trade and energy supplies passes through this narrow corridor every day. Any disruption in the region has ripple effects far beyond West Asia, affecting international shipping, supply chains and freight costs worldwide.

What has the seafarers' union asked for?

The FSUI has urged the government to deploy maximum Indian Navy assets to protect Indian-flagged vessels and ships carrying Indian seafarers operating in the Red Sea and the Black Sea until the security situation improves. The union argued that Indian seafarers continue to keep global trade moving despite operating under increasingly hazardous conditions and deserve enhanced protection from the Indian state.

How has the government responded?

The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attack on the Indian vessel and described the continuing assaults on commercial shipping in the region as "deeply worrisome." It called for an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels and urged the restoration of free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also directed the Directorate General of Maritime Administration to work with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.

Why does this matter?

India is among the world's largest suppliers of merchant navy professionals, with thousands of Indian seafarers serving aboard commercial vessels across global shipping routes. As geopolitical conflicts increasingly spill into major maritime corridors, the debate is no longer just about protecting ships. It is about safeguarding the people who keep global trade moving through waters that are becoming some of the world's most dangerous frontlines.

(With inputs from ANI)