While addressing the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on September 12, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ‘The Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’, a plan designed to help seafarers during marine emergencies. The announcement came during India’s presidency of BRICS, focusing on its summit theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The proposal has drawn considerable interest as it comes immediately amid the attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz in light of the increasing tensions between the US and Iran.
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Initiative: The Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network
Submitted by: PM Narendra Modi
Venue: 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi (2026)
Reason: Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz (US-Iran conflict)
Related but different issue: The safety of seafarers in the Black Sea is something that PM Modi and President Putin discussed during their talks.
Why was this Project Required?
The Prime Minister’s comments came in connection with the existing maritime security crisis:
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Strait of Hormuz Attacks: Since the onset of the US-Iran conflict, ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, which is regarded as one of the most important oil transportation routes, came under attack.
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Black Sea Concerns: PM Modi had raised the safety of Indian sailors in the Black Sea region during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit.
The Importance of This for India
India is one of the major nations with the largest number of sailors in the world, comprising a considerable part of the world maritime labor force, showing that disturbances in important global marine paths have a direct impact on:
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The safety and well-being of Indian citizens working in territory and at sea
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The energy security of India due to dependence on oil supply via sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz
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Stability of global trade and freight and logistical systems being topics widely discussed by India at various international platforms.
PM Modi's Message at BRICS 2026
PM Modi spoke to reaffirm India's position as "a firm supporter of navigation rights and seafarers' safety." This was tied to India's wider economic agenda which was shared with the world during the summit. He stated that the growth of trade was dependent on the security of the shipping lanes. The functioning of the logistics routes and the safety of seafarers.
At the 18th BRICS summit, to argue for a comprehensive reform plan for global governance structures and the strengthening of the internal activities of BRICS. This can be interpreted as India's desire to play a bigger leadership role for the Global South.