Putting the spotlight on India’s naval power at the United Nations, India’s permanent representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, used an Arria formula meeting on seafarer protection to present the Navy in a more human and relatable way, showing it as one of the most active and trusted guardians of the high seas.

“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,” Harish told the gathering co-organised by Greece, the Philippines, Denmark, Japan, Panama, and Romania, stressing that the Navy has been working tirelessly to protect those at sea.

He said the results speak for themselves. “The credible and swift actions of the Indian Navy have saved more than 520 lives, irrespective of nationality,” he declared. “Since November 2023, the Indian Navy has safely escorted over 367 Merchant Vessels, carrying over 14.7 million Metric Tons of Cargo, valued at over 6.3 billion dollars.” His words highlighted the real human impact of these missions, focusing on lives saved and sailors rescued.

Harish also pointed to the Navy’s “decisive action” in the March 2024 liberation of the hijacked bulk carrier MV Ruen from Somali pirates, calling it a major achievement since it was the first successful anti-piracy boarding operation in years. He noted the Navy’s fast response after the tanker Marlin Luanda, which had Indian crew members, was struck by a Houthi missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Navy’s efforts received an IMO Commendation, while the seafarers involved were honoured with the IMO Bravery Award, which added emotional weight to the recognition.

Moving beyond military achievements, the ambassador pushed for global recognition of India’s maritime coordination work. “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, referring to the Gurgaon-based Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region, which already appears in IMO best practices. He made it clear that India wants the system to work better for sailors everywhere.

While acknowledging India’s role as a leading seafaring nation, “India, being in the top three maritime communities, with 12% of the world’s seafarers”, Harish also focused on the human side of labour protection. He noted that India has fully domesticated the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. It has created mandatory financial security so that no seafarer is ever abandoned and has taken strict action against illegal recruitment agencies. India has also set up a 24-hour global helpline to support those in distress.

The Indian envoy also spoke about the “Sagar Mein Samman” (respect at sea) initiative, through which New Delhi is pushing for gender sensitive safety standards, better onboard accommodation, and zero tolerance for harassment. He highlighted that the Shipping Corporation of India has already operated an all-women crewed vessel. “Women in Maritime” policy is being developed by a dedicated task force, demonstrating India’s effort to create a safer and more inclusive maritime environment.

“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, linking the effort to India’s broader vision of MAHASAGAR, “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.” His message aimed to show that India’s naval actions are not only about power, but also about responsibility and care for people at sea.