Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Centre Over Sailor Attacks
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticised the Centre over recent attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf region. He said the incidents raised serious questions over maritime safety and India’s response to attacks affecting its citizens.
Pinarayi Vijayan On Indian Sailors
Vijayan said the attacks on ships with Indian crew members were deeply concerning and required a firm diplomatic response. He questioned whether the Centre was doing enough to protect Indian seafarers working in high-risk international waters.
His remarks came after multiple merchant vessels with Indian crew members were reportedly targeted near the Gulf and Oman region. One of the strikes led to the death of three Indian sailors.
Centre Response To US Strikes
The former Kerala Chief Minister criticised the Union government’s handling of the issue and said India must not appear weak when the lives of its citizens are at stake. He also raised concerns over what he described as the Centre’s silence on wider military escalation in West Asia.
India has registered a strong protest with Washington and has placed relevant maritime agencies on alert. Authorities are coordinating with shipping companies, the Navy and diplomatic channels to support affected crew members.
Indian Seafarers Safety Concerns
The attacks have increased anxiety among Indian seafarers and their families, especially in Kerala, which has a large number of citizens working in maritime jobs. The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by commercial shipping crews during regional conflicts.
India has said the safety of Indian sailors and maritime assets remains a priority. The government is monitoring developments closely as tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten global shipping routes.
