Press Release of Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI)
Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) in association with CITU Centre
PRESS RELEASE
Families of Indian Seafarers Killed in Iran-Israel-US Conflict Demand Justice and Protection
New Delhi, 21 July 2026
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), in collaboration with CITU Centre, today organised a Press Conference in New Delhi along with the grieving family members of Indian seafarers killed in the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. The conference highlighted the grave safety concerns for Indian seafarers serving in high-risk conflict zones and demanded immediate action from the Government of India and the international community.
More than 11 Indian seafarers have lost their lives while performing their duties on commercial vessels in recent months. Their families have been left abandoned, dependent on inadequate company compensation that is yet to be received. FSUI strongly condemns the targeting of commercial vessels and flags that these killings occurred with full knowledge of the nationality of the Indian crew.
Seafarers are key workers who keep global trade alive. They are not scrap goats in geopolitical wars. The responses from the IMO Secretary-General and the UN Secretary-General are insufficient. Our own Government has failed to adequately recognise the supreme sacrifice of these brave Indian seafarers. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense, and similar threats are now emerging in the Black Sea due to Ukraine-Russia conflict, with risks spreading to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
While DG Shipping has issued advisories to avoid the Hormuz Strait, this is not a practical solution as it threatens the livelihood of thousands of Indian seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels. The Government of India has not raised a strong enough voice against these killings or delivered justice to the families.”
The press conference underscored that freedom of navigation under UNCLOS is being undermined, and states that have committed to protecting safe passage and seafarer safety are failing in their responsibilities.
FSUI and Families’ Demands:
- The Government of India must immediately register an official petition with the United Nations against the killing of Indian seafarers and demand guaranteed freedom of safe navigation in international waters.
- Adequate Compensation of not less than USD 5 Million per family from the United States and Iran (or responsible parties) for each deceased seafarer.
- Central and State Governments must provide substantial support to the bereaved families, including:
- Ex-gratia payment of ₹1Crore per family.
- Government job for one dependent family member on compassionate grounds.
- Martyr status recognition for the deceased seafarers killed in attacks.
- Immediate formation of a dedicated Crisis Management Team comprising Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, MEA, Intelligence agencies, and stakeholders including seafarers’ representatives (FSUI) to act as a first-response unit for such maritime emergencies.
FSUI reiterates that Indian seafarers must not be treated as expendable. We stand firmly with the families in their fight for justice, dignity, and long-term security.
FSUI will continue its campaign through legal, diplomatic, and mass mobilisation channels, including representations to the ILO, IMO, UN, and the Honourable Prime Minister.
We demand Justice. We demand Protection. We demand Respect for our Seafarers.
Manoj Yadav
General Secretary