India and Liberia Launch 'Group of Friends' on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers

India and Liberia have come together to launch a new multilateral initiative called the "Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers." The group was announced in New York on September 25, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, with both countries serving as co-chairs.

What Is Maritime Safety and Shipping Security?

Maritime safety refers to protecting ships, cargo, crew members, and sea routes from threats like piracy, accidents, armed attacks, and unlawful interference. In recent years, key shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf region, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea have witnessed rising security concerns, making global shipping routes more vulnerable and unpredictable.

What Is the Role of India and Liberia in Global Shipping?

1. India holds an important position in the maritime world as one of the largest source countries for seafarers, supplying a significant share of the global workforce that runs commercial ships. Liberia, on the other hand, operates the world's largest shipping registry by tonnage. 
2. A shipping registry is essentially the national system under which merchant vessels are officially flagged and monitored for legal and technical standards.
3.  Together, these two roles make India and Liberia natural partners in shaping global maritime policy.

Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers

This newly formed group is a multilateral platform aimed at bringing countries together to strengthen cooperation on shipping safety and seafarer welfare. The inaugural meeting in New York saw participation from representatives of 25 countries, including major maritime players like Russia, Germany, and Japan, reflecting wide international interest in the initiative.

Framework and Objectives of the India and Liberia Group of Friends on Safety

The group will operate within the existing frameworks of two key UN bodies: the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which handles global shipping safety and marine pollution prevention, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which sets labour standards relevant to seafarers. Its core objectives include strengthening technical standards for vessels, ensuring compliance with international maritime rules, promoting environmental responsibility, safeguarding commercial sea lanes from security threats, and improving the overall welfare of seafarers working across the globe.