BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi proposes ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday proposed the creation of a ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’ at the BRICS Summit 2026, aimed at providing assistance to seafarers during emergencies.
Highlighting the crucial role of seafarers in global trade, Modi said they often lack adequate support when faced with difficult situations.
"... Seafarers make a massive contribution to global trade, yet they often find themselves lacking support during difficult times. I propose that we establish a 'Seafarers' Emergency Support Network.' This would connect the maritime authorities and diplomatic missions of relevant countries, facilitating assistance with distress alerts, medical aid, family notifications, and evacuations..."
The proposed network would bring together maritime authorities and diplomatic missions of relevant countries to facilitate coordinated assistance during emergencies involving seafarers.
According to the proposal, the mechanism would help with distress alerts, medical assistance, communication with family members and evacuation efforts.
The initiative comes as BRICS seeks to expand cooperation across areas of global trade, connectivity and humanitarian support, with maritime workers playing a critical role in keeping international commerce moving.
Modi’s remarks come amid a sharp deterioration in maritime security across the Middle East, with commercial vessels facing attacks and growing threats around the Strait of Hormuz and other key shipping routes. The International Maritime Organisation has confirmed 75 maritime incidents and 22 seafarer fatalities as of September 10, including several attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters has also reported that Iran attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz in the latest escalation, with at least one seafarer killed and another reported missing. The heightened risks have disrupted commercial shipping and pushed tanker rates to record levels, underscoring the growing need for emergency assistance and coordinated support for crews operating in conflict-hit waters.