India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that attacks on merchant vessels are “completely unacceptable.” His remarks came during the ‘Azec Plus’ meeting hosted by Japan.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that attacks on merchant vessels are “completely unacceptable.” His remarks came during the ‘Azec Plus’ meeting hosted by Japan, where leaders discussed disruptions in global energy supply chains.
The statement is significant as it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has
announced a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil passes.
In a post shared on social media platform X after the meeting, Jaishankar said that India remains strongly committed to ensuring safe and smooth passage for maritime shipping. He underlined that global economic growth depends heavily on uninterrupted energy supplies, which in turn rely on secure sea routes.
Participated in the ‘AZEC Plus’ meeting convened by Japan to discuss supply chain disruptions in the energy markets.
Underlined India’s strong commitment to safe and unimpeded transit passage of maritime shipping. Attacks on merchant shipping are completely unacceptable. Global… pic.twitter.com/wsiQokYU5e
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 15, 2026
Focus on maritime security
Jaishankar highlighted that free and secure maritime transit is essential for international trade. He said any form of attack on merchant shipping threatens not just individual countries but the global economy as a whole.
India’s concerns regarding the safety of merchant vessels is significant, as a large number of
attacks on ships have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz, since the conflict in West Asia started on February 28.
Several ships have been attacked by projectiles, explosive boats and drones. According to reports, at least 16 vessels have been hit in the region during the conflict period only.
Shipping routes carry a large share of the world’s energy supplies, including oil and gas. Disruptions in these routes can lead to price spikes and supply shortages, affecting industries and consumers worldwide.
Energy markets and global growth
Jaishankar pointed out that global growth depends on stable and accessible energy markets. If supply chains are disrupted, it can slow down economic activity and create uncertainty.
As one of the world’s largest energy consumers, India has a strong interest in ensuring that energy flows remain steady and predictable. Jaishankar emphasised that countries must work together to avoid bottlenecks and maintain stability in the market.
India’s role and cooperation
Jaishankar said India will continue to work with like-minded partners to build stronger and more reliable supply chains. He stressed the need for cooperation among nations to address shared challenges in energy and trade.
The Azec Plus meeting, hosted by Japan, is part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector. It aims to ensure that countries can better respond to disruptions and maintain the smooth functioning of global supply networks.
Azec platform
The Azec (Asia Zero Emission Community) was launched by Japan in 2022. It is a platform that brings countries together to address energy-related challenges, and focus on energy security and supply chain resilience at a time when global uncertainties continue to affect trade and transport.
First Published:
April 15, 2026, 15:00 IST
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