00:00Targeting of commercial shipping and attacks on civilian maritime infrastructure is unacceptable.
00:06Such attacks have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries and heightened risks, including to seafarers.
00:12We reiterate that targeting commercial shipping, endangering civilian crews and impeding safe and free navigation through international water phase, including
00:22the state of Hormuz, are unacceptable.
00:23Thank you to the Secretary-General of the IMO for his efforts and focus on seafarers and the maritime economy.
00:31We convey our deepest condolences to families of seafarers injured or killed in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
00:39Of the seven fatalities mentioned by the Secretary-General, three are Indian seafarers. Four more are injured and one is
00:45missing.
00:47India remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation and continues to call for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy,
00:54with utmost restraint and priority being given to the safety of civilians.
01:00Targeting of commercial shipping and attacks on civilian maritime infrastructure is unacceptable.
01:07Such attacks have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries and heightened risks, including to seafarers.
01:14India is among the top three seafarers supplying nations, contributing approximately 13% of global seafaring workforce.
01:22We remain deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of all seafarers.
01:27An estimated 23,000 Indian seafarers have been impacted by the current crisis.
01:32At present, 24 Indian flagged vessels are operating the Persian Gulf region,
01:36including 22 vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz with 611 Indian seafarers on board and two vessels east of
01:44the Strait of Hormuz with 47 seafarers on board.
01:47All vessels and crew are being closely monitored for their safety and security.
01:51India's energy, security and trade are critically dependent on the safe and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
01:58Any disruption, obstruction or closures of these vital waterways have direct consequences for India's economy and for global energy and
02:08humanitarian supply chains.
02:09Our government has instituted robust response mechanisms, including a 24-7 helpline for all seafarers, irrespective of nationality,
02:18and a quick response team set up by India's Directorate General of Shipping.
02:22A dedicated control room has also been set up by the Ministry of External Affairs to assist affected seafarers and
02:28their families.
02:30India has also strengthened maritime monitoring and preparedness measures, including through enhanced information sharing mechanisms.
02:36We note with grave concern the grave risk of marine pollution arising from attacks on commercial vessels in these waters.
02:43In this context, information network architecture, the role of the Information Fusion Center for the Indian Ocean region,
02:49assumes greater importance and should be further promoted by its inclusion in the IMO MSC residents.
02:54Delegation of India, sorry, I'm going to interrupt you, sir.
02:59Could you speak?
03:00Environmental monitoring and coordination with other significant information sharing centres.
03:07We reiterate that targeting commercial shipping, endangering civilian crews and impeding safe and free navigation through international water phase,
03:16including the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable.
03:18The exercise of navigational rights and freedom by merchant and commercial vessels,
03:23in accordance with international law, must be respected.
03:26The safety and welfare of seafarers, the security of international shipping,
03:30energy supply chains that sustain nations,
03:32and humanitarian supply chains that ensure survival and welfare of seafarers,
03:36must remain paramount.
03:38Thank you, Chair.
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