International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said that shipping should not be used as collateral in any geopolitical conflict.
He also spoke about the impact of the US-Iran war on seafarers, and how they felt ‘forgotten’ by the world, even as their lives remain in danger.
The news channels, media, and the world have focused on rising oil prices and financial losses, but not enough attention has been paid to these professionals who risk their lives at sea, he added.
His remarks come after several attacks on ships in the region, including earlier this month off Oman, in which 3 Indian seafarers were killed when the U.S forces attacked the tanker Settebello.
Indians comprise 12% of the global seafaring workforce, and the number of Indian seafarers has increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh, making the country one of the world’s top three suppliers of seafarers.
India also raised opposition to the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since many Indians lost their lives and
