"Send Warships Now!" Seafarers’ Union Sends Urgent Appeal to PM Modi After Indian Ship Sinks in Red Sea Drone Attack

In a major development, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the immediate deployment of Indian Navy warships to safeguard Indian sailors and commercial cargo ships. The emergency appeal comes after an Indian-flagged cargo ship, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was attacked and sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The vessel was carrying 13 Indian crew members when it came under fire from suspected Houthi rebel drones and missiles, though fortunately, all 13 Indian nationals were safely rescued following quick coordination with Yemeni authorities.

Highlighting the grave risks faced daily by Indian sailors, the seafarers' union warned that vital sea trade routes in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea have effectively turned into active war zones. Ongoing international conflicts, coupled with reckless missile strikes on merchant ships, have led to tragic loss of lives, missing crew members, and growing panic among maritime workers who transport crucial goods and fuel across the globe. The union urged the Indian government to provide maximum naval protection for all vessels carrying Indian crew until permanent peace is restored in international waters.

Taking strong note of the dangerous incident, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly condemned the attack, stating that continuous strikes on civilian commercial shipping are deeply concerning and must stop immediately. Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal also instructed maritime authorities to coordinate closely with international agencies to safeguard Indian seafarers. With millions of barrels of oil and cargo passing through these narrow sea channels every day, the Indian government is facing rising pressure to step up armed naval escorts and ensure that Indian workers remain safe at sea.