Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, assured that all 22 Indian commercial vessels, along with their 600 crew members, remain safe, reporting no maritime incidents. In a briefing with the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Sinha emphasized that the Directorate General of Shipping has been actively collaborating with shipowners, Port and Shipping Logistics (RPSL) agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions abroad to safeguard those on board.
Efforts to repatriate Indian seafarers have intensified, with 34 successful repatriations completed in the past 48 hours, 13 of which occurred in the last day alone. The Directorate General of Shipping’s 24/7 communication center has also been actively responding to inquiries, handling 60 calls and 129 emails in just the last day.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the paramount importance of mariner safety and vessel security as India navigates the complexities of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a critical passage for global oil transport and has recently become a flashpoint due to tensions involving the Iranian Revolutionary Guard following military actions from the U.S. and Israel.
In light of these developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament, noting that the ongoing crisis is likely to persist. He called for national unity and vigilance, drawing parallels to the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi urged state governments to monitor and curb any attempts at exploitation during this tumultuous period, emphasizing the need for discipline and the rebuttal of misinformation spread among the public.
As on-ground circumstances are continually assessed, and despite the challenging regional dynamics, Indian officials are taking imperative measures to protect their maritime interests and ensure the safety of national seafarers in concert with international maritime regulations and diplomatic strategies.
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