Indian Seafarers at Growing Risk as India Becomes World's No. 2 Crew Supplier

India has emerged as the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, with over 311,000 personnel working on international waters. This large maritime workforce has increasingly become vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts and wars at sea. Recent incidents have highlighted the danger, with 17 Indian seafarers reported dead and 166 trapped amid ongoing hostilities. The scale of India's maritime presence, while economically significant, exposes its crew members to risks far beyond their professional duties. Experts warn that Indian seafarers are effectively becoming unintended victims of conflicts they have no part in.