'Global South bears burden': At G20 meet, Jaishankar flags attacks on ships & Indian seafarers in Hormuz - The Times of India

During the recent G20 foreign ministers' meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the growing threat to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that attacks on vessels and the detention of Indian seafarers have placed a disproportionate burden on countries of the Global South, which rely heavily on maritime trade for essential imports and exports. Jaishankar called for coordinated international action to safeguard navigation routes and protect the lives of crew members from nations that lack extensive naval capabilities. His statements were recorded in the official meeting transcript and have been widely reported in Indian media.

The Hormuz corridor handles a large share of the world’s oil and gas shipments, and any disruption can quickly affect fuel prices and supply chains worldwide. For India, which imports a significant portion of its crude oil through this passage, the risk translates into higher costs for consumers and potential shortages. Countries in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, collectively referred to as the Global South, have fewer alternative routes and limited naval patrol resources, making them more vulnerable to such incidents. Jaishankar’s remarks aim to draw attention to this imbalance and to seek support from other major economies.

Following the minister’s appeal, the G20 working group on maritime security is expected to draft a set of guidelines for rapid response to piracy and hostile actions in strategic waterways. India has also signaled its intention to increase naval patrols in the region and to work with regional partners on intelligence sharing. Observers will watch for any concrete commitments from the United States, the United Kingdom and other leading members, as well as for the impact on insurance premiums for ships carrying Indian cargo. The outcome could shape how India protects its maritime workforce in the coming years.