On the occasion of World Maritime Day, 24 September 2026, Dr. N. Reuben Paul, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) and Vice-Chairman of the Global Seafarers Organisation, met His Excellency Shri Ravi Shankar, Ambassador of India to Greece, at the Embassy of India in Athens.

The meeting covered important issues concerning the welfare, rights, safety and dignity of seafarers, as well as matters affecting Indian and Greek shipping companies.

Dr. Paul briefed the Ambassador on pending claims relating to abandoned vessels and seafarers’ wages, repatriation and contractual obligations, as well as certain pending contractual matters involving Greek shipowners and Indian chartering companies. He also presented the Global Seafarers Organisation’s proposals to establish Global Seafarers Centres in Greece, which would provide welfare assistance, counselling, communication, recreational and other essential services to seafarers of all nationalities visiting Greek ports.

Another important matter discussed was the practical difficulties being experienced by certain Greek shipping companies and seafarers in relation to crew changes at some Indian ports. Dr. Paul respectfully sought His Excellency’s kind assistance in bringing these concerns of the Greek maritime community to the attention of the appropriate authorities in India, so that the matter may be suitably examined and, wherever operationally and legally feasible, appropriate and practical arrangements may be considered to facilitate crew changes. The meeting also emphasised the importance of strengthening India–Greece maritime cooperation, particularly among maritime authorities, shipowners, shipping companies, seafarers’ organisations and welfare institutions.

Dr. Reuben Paul expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Shri Ravi Shankar for his gracious hospitality, valuable time, patient hearing and interest in seafarers’ welfare. He expressed the hope that continued India–Greece dialogue would contribute to improving the welfare, safety, dignity and rights of seafarers and strengthening a sustainable international maritime sector.