From Hormuz to Black Sea, PM Modi pitches BRICS distress network to rescue seafarers
At least 15 Indian merchant seafarers have been killed in the two conflict theatres -- 10 in West Asia and five in the Black Sea.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the creation of a shared distress and rescue network for seafarers at the 18th BRICS Summit. This network is part of a broader call for BRICS partners to reform global governance. The proposal follows the deaths of at least 15 Indian merchant seafarers in two conflict zones over the past nine months.
The government has been working on this initiative since August under its "seafarer-first" approach. The network would connect maritime authorities and missions in respective countries, providing assistance with distress alerts, medical aid, information to families, and evacuation. Indian seafarers make up 12.16% of the global commercial shipping workforce, second only to Filipinos.
Ten Indian seafarers have died in West Asia since the conflict began earlier in 2026, with eight of them losing their lives in Oman at the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry is also implementing a digital grievance system, e-Navik, to streamline complaints. Five Indian seafarers were killed in attacks in the Black Sea within 48 hours in July.
Russia and Iran, significant players in both conflict zones, were invited to BRICS, where the proposal was met with mixed reactions.
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