Indian Government Ensures Safety of Seafarers Amid West Asia Tensions
In response to rising tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has reported that 778 Indian seafarers are currently aboard 28 vessels flying the Indian flag in the Persian Gulf. To protect its maritime personnel and trade interests, New Delhi has increased monitoring and security measures.
During a recent inter-ministerial briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, highlighted that 24 of these ships are operating west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 Indian crew members. The remaining four vessels, located east of this vital chokepoint, have 101 Indian seafarers on board.
Sinha noted that security agencies, ship managers, and recruitment firms are working closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure the safety of the seafarers and provide necessary medical support if needed.
On February 28, the Directorate General of Shipping issued advisories urging Indian-flagged vessels and their crews to adopt enhanced security protocols. This includes the requirement to provide detailed crew information to relevant authorities.
Despite the ongoing regional unrest, Sinha assured that port operations across India remain stable. He stated that ports are being asked to support exporters and shipping companies to maintain smooth ongoing trade. Major ports are conducting constant monitoring of vessel movements and real-time assessments of the situation.
To efficiently manage the situation, 24-hour control rooms have been established within the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping. These centers aim to coordinate efforts and maintain communication with ship owners, operators, and the families of seafarers.
At the same briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the safety of the nearly 10 million Indians living in the Gulf and West Asia is a priority for the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in contact with leaders of countries including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar maintains regular communication with officials in the region.
Jaiswal also announced that a 24/7 control room has been set up to address inquiries from families of Indians abroad. On a recent day, the ministry received 75 phone calls and 11 emails, all of which were promptly answered.
Regarding casualties, Jaiswal reported that two Indian nationals have died in the region, while one individual is missing following an attack on a merchant vessel. Several others are receiving medical care for injuries sustained, including one person in Israel and another in Dubai.
Currently, about 9,000 Indians, including students, remain in Iran. Some have returned home after government advisories, while others have been moved to safer locations within the country.
The Indian embassy in Tehran is also assisting those who wish to exit the country through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan, facilitating their return to India via commercial flights.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), stated that Indian missions across West Asia are keeping in constant touch with local governments and organizations to provide timely advisories and support to stranded individuals.
The government is committed to monitoring the rapidly changing situation in West Asia and ensuring the safety of Indian nationals, while also ensuring smooth maritime trade operations.
