New Delhi: As many as 37 Indian-flagged ships with over 1,000 seafarers are stuck in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the adjoining sea areas as the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to the ongoing military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
While some ships are carrying crude oil and LNG to Indian ports, others are on the way to bring petroleum products from the Gulf nations.
A total of 37 Indian-flagged ships with 1,109 sailors are stuck in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the adjoining sea areas due to the closure of the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, an official privy to the development told PTI.
The Directorate General of Shipping is in regular touch with the shipping companies and is closely monitoring the situation.
At least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed, and one was injured in West Asia due to the current conflict.
A dedicated quick response team has been set up by the Shipping Ministry to enable timely coordination among authorities, ensure immediate response to emerging situations and facilitate prompt assistance to Indian seafarers and their families.
Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated and shared with the families of the seafarers through RPSLs.
The Directorate General of Shipping also issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks following the disruptions of the shipping route and closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
It is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the adjoining sea areas, and the threats of the recent geopolitical developments, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns.
On Tuesday, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting to assess the prevailing security environment in the Persian Gulf region and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.
On Tuesday, American and Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Iran and its allies have hit back against Israel, the neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world’s production of oil and natural gas.
The current disruption follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran in West Asia. Tensions intensified after coordinated American and Israeli airstrikes targeted key Iranian military and strategic infrastructure over the weekend, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran and its regional allies.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at Israeli positions and assets linked to US interests in the region. The hostilities have expanded beyond direct military targets, with heightened threats to energy infrastructure and maritime routes across the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters.
Amid the escalation, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The narrow waterway handles a significant share of the world’s seaborne crude trade, making it strategically vital for energy-importing nations, including India.
