At the 81st UN General Assembly, India and Liberia established a "group
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Maritime security and seafarer safety: a key GS2 International Relations and Blue Economy topic.
Why in news
India and Liberia established a 'group of friends' at the 81st UN General Assembly to address maritime security and seafarer safety amid rising attacks in the Gulf and Red Sea.
Background
India and Liberia co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the 'Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' at UNGA 81. India is identified as a major source of seafarers, while Liberia is the world's largest shipping registry.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyGroup of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers: A maritime initiative launched by India and Liberia at UNGA 81
- FactLiberia is the largest shipping registry globally
- FactIndia is a major source of seafarers for both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels
- PlaceKey maritime risk zones identified: Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb, Black Sea, and Somalia
Prelims practice question
With reference to the maritime security initiative launched at UNGA 81, consider the following statements:
- Liberia is identified as the world's smallest shipping registry.
- India is a major source of seafarers for both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels.
- India and Liberia co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Liberia is the world's largest shipping registry.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of maritime security in ensuring global trade stability and the role of multilateral cooperation in protecting seafarers from non-traditional threats.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime trade vulnerability: High risk to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman due to geopolitical conflicts
- Regulatory cooperation: Leveraging Liberia's registry status and India's manpower to establish international safety norms
- Economic impact: Disruptions to maritime commerce affecting global supply chains and shipping costs
Keywords: Maritime Security · Seafarer Safety · Blue Economy · Multilateralism · Global Trade · Maritime Registry
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