S. Jaishankar: 'Security of the Seas Is Fundamental to Our Well-Being'

UPDATED: Nov 2, 2026 17:56 ISTAddressing an International Institute for Strategic Studies dialogue in Manama, Bahrain, an Indian representative highlighted the mounting geopolitical and asymmetric threats facing global maritime commons. Emphasising that disruptions in vital choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea reverberate across worldwide supply chains, the speaker noted that innocent parties and civilian merchant seafarers often bear the heaviest burdens through elevated crude oil, LPG, and food prices. India underlined the establishment of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers with Liberia at the UN in Geneva to safeguard maritime workers and civilian navigation. As chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for 2025-27, India outlined a five-pillar framework: information sharing through Gurugram's Information Fusion Centre, capability development, capacity building, operational coordination, and coordinated public messaging to counter misinformation. The address urged adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, affirming that security must be pursued via inclusive cooperation rather than confrontation. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSDelhi Air Quality Breaches 300 AQI Mark, CAQM Set to Impose GRAP 2 Curbs Ahead of DiwaliAir quality levels in Delhi-NCR have deteriorated significantly, breaching the 300 average mark and exceeding 400 at multiple locations in the national capital ahead of Diwali. Following the spike in pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management convened to decide on imposing Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan, with official orders expected shortly. The curbs under GRAP 2 include stricter vehicle restrictions such as barring non-BS-VI vehicles not registered in Delhi, halting non-emergency construction work, and prohibiting coal usage. Despite rising pollution and planned curbs, crowded markets like Lajpat Nagar and Connaught Place recorded heavy vehicular jams and large gatherings of festive shoppers. Ground reports indicate that despite enforcement claims by the authorities, no significant reduction in vehicular movement was observed. Meanwhile, residents expressed concern over worsening air conditions and respiratory issues while navigating festive shopping.Gurugram Imposes 50% WFH And Construction Ban As Delhi AQI Crosses 300Gurugram has enforced strict anti-pollution curbs from 5th November, mandating a 50% work-from-home policy for government and private offices to cut down vehicular congestion and road emissions. The administration has also imposed a ban on construction and demolition activities. Meanwhile, Delhi's Air Quality Index has crossed the 300 mark, triggering the enforcement of measures under the Winter Action Plan, including bans on non-BS6 vehicle entry and fuel restrictions for vehicles lacking valid pollution certificates. Ground reports from Connaught Place show bustling festive markets as shoppers and traders react to the implementation of regional dust-control curbs, air purifiers, and upcoming Graded Response Action Plan measures.Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi to Open Debate Over Foreign Support AllegationsCongress leader Rahul Gandhi launched an attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister came to power and remains in office due to foreign assistance. In a direct challenge, Rahul Gandhi dared Prime Minister Modi to an open debate at any stage and time regarding claims over foreign backing, financial support, and social media influence. Gandhi's remarks followed Prime Minister Modi's address where he cautioned against anti-India forces, questioned covert overseas meetings, and flagged the misuse of social media platforms to spread rumours and tarnish the image of the country. Reporting on the political standoff, correspondent Rahul Gautam noted that both sides have traded allegations over foreign interference and destabilisation, with the Congress leadership asserting that the ruling dispensation is backed by external powers, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused opposition forces of working with adversarial elements.Delhi Air Quality Enters Severe Category as Winter Pollution Action Plan Comes Into EffectDelhi is experiencing severe air pollution ahead of Diwali, with areas like Wazirpur recording an Air Quality Index of 424, Jahangirpuri at 417, and Vivek Vihar at 415. The national capital has initiated its winter pollution action plan, scheduled to remain in force until 28 February. Emergency measures include strict entry curbs on outside vehicles, a mandatory 'no PUC, no fuel' rule across petrol pumps, AI-enabled camera surveillance at construction sites to tackle dust, and an advisory for 50 percent work-from-home arrangements to curb vehicular congestion amidst festive traffic.