India highlighted its growing naval strength and humanitarian commitment at the United Nations this week. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, showcased the Indian Navy’s major achievements in protecting ships and sailors in the troubled waters of the Western Arabian Sea. He spoke at an Arria-formula meeting on seafarer safety, co-organised by Greece, Japan, Denmark, Panama, the Philippines and Romania.
Delighted to co-organize along with Greece and the Philippines the @UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on ‘Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers’. Thank Panama, Japan, Romania and Denmark for co-sponsoring.
Emphasized the need for stronger international… pic.twitter.com/Ak2DdG24Dv
— Parvathaneni Harish (@AmbHarishP) November 22, 2025
Harish said India has become one of the most active maritime security providers in the world. “Over the last two years, in response to shipping attacks and rising incidents of piracy in the Western Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed over 35 ships in the region, carried out more than 1000 boarding operations and has responded to over 35 incidents,” he told member states.
Indian Navy’s Rescue Efforts Saved 520 Lives
The envoy said the Navy’s actions show India’s commitment to the safety of every seafarer. “The credible and swift actions of the Indian Navy have saved more than 520 lives, irrespective of nationality,” he declared.
He shared that since November 2023, the Navy escorted 367 merchant vessels carrying 14.7 million metric tons of cargo worth more than $6.3 billion. These operations took place amid a surge in pirate activity and hostile attacks near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Key Anti-Piracy Operations Cited
Harish highlighted the Navy’s “decisive action” during the rescue of the hijacked vessel MV Ruen from Somali pirates in March 2024. It was the first successful anti-piracy boarding in several years and earned global praise.
He also referred to the Navy’s quick response after the tanker Marlin Luanda, which had several Indian crew members, was hit by a Houthi missile. The operation earned the Indian Navy an IMO Commendation, while the rescued sailors received the IMO Bravery Award.
India Seeks Global Role for IFC–IOR
Beyond operations, Harish stressed the importance of India’s maritime coordination centre, the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). He urged UN members to recognise it formally.
“The next logical step is to include the IFC-IOR as the IOR’s primary reporting centre in the IMO Maritime Safety Committee resolution,” he said. The centre, based in Gurgaon, monitors the Indian Ocean and shares real-time information with partner nations.
India Pushes for Better Protection of Seafarers
Harish also emphasised India’s strong labour protections for its seafarers. He noted that “India, being in the top three maritime communities, with 12% of the world’s seafarers,” has fully implemented the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. India has also launched a global 24-hour helpline and introduced strict action against rogue recruitment agents.
The envoy highlighted the “Sagar Mein Samman” initiative, under which India is pushing gender-sensitive safety standards, improved living conditions on ships and a policy of zero tolerance for harassment. He noted that the Shipping Corporation of India has already operated a ship with an all-women crew and that a national “Women in Maritime” policy is underway.
India Positions Itself as a Global Maritime First Responder
India’s message at the UN marks a shift in how it presents its naval capabilities. New Delhi is positioning the Indian Navy not just as a regional force but as a global maritime first responder. This strategy aligns with India’s larger vision of MAHASAGAR — “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.”
“India stands ready to work with the international community to strengthen seafarer protection, promote gender equality and improve the lives of those who serve aboard ships,” Harish said.
