The BRICS Seafarers Forum 2026, jointly hosted by the Maritime Union of India (MUI) and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) at NUSI Bhavan, Mumbai, concluded successfully today with a strong international call for greater cooperation, decent work, social dialogue and enhanced protection of seafarers.

The Forum brought together the International Labour Organization (ILO), leading seafarers’ trade unions, government representatives, maritime authorities, shipowners and maritime experts from BRICS nations and partner countries.

Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, Iran, Indonesia and other participating nations joined the Forum, both in person and virtually, united by one fundamental commitment: SEAFARERS FIRST.

The Forum was inaugurated by Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, Government of India, who welcomed the international delegates to Mumbai and highlighted the critical challenges confronting the global maritime workforce.

In his inaugural address, Shri Jagannathan emphasised that seafarers remain the backbone of international trade, yet continue to face unprecedented challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, crew abandonment, rapid technological change and the global transition towards a greener maritime future.

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