Kathmandu— The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has urgently requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to protect Indian seafarers and vessels operating in high-risk waters following the sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea. The union cited escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel, the United States, and the Russia-Ukraine war as turning commercial shipping routes into 'active danger zones'.

Escalating Maritime Threats

The FSUI highlighted recent attacks on merchant ships in both the Black Sea and Red Sea regions, emphasizing that these incidents have resulted in casualties among Indian seafarers. The union pointed out that the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, carrying 13 Indian crew members, was attacked while transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on August 4, 2026, leading to its sinking off the coast of Yemen.

The attack has been attributed by Yemen's government-affiliated forces to the Houthis. The union stressed that ongoing geopolitical conflicts show no immediate signs of resolution and urged for executive intervention in line with official advisories.

Government Response

In response to the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the MSV Faize Noore Oliya and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals aboard had been rescued. The ministry expressed concern over continued attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also strongly condemned the attack, instructing the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to coordinate with all agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers and provide necessary assistance to rescued crew members.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.