The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has assured that all Indian seafarers stationed in the Persian Gulf region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours. Currently, 17 Indian-flagged vessels, manned by 460 Indian seafarers, are actively being monitored by the Directorate General (DG) Shipping in cooperation with ship owners, placement agencies, and Indian Missions. The Ministry is committed to ensuring the safety of these seafarers and maintaining uninterrupted maritime trade, focusing on shipping movements and port operations.
The DG Shipping Control Room operates around the clock, having handled over 5,000 calls and 10,000 emails since its activation. Recently, it received 73 calls and 122 emails in a single day. So far, more than 1,479 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 159 in the last 24 hours, facilitated from various regional locations to airports across the Persian Gulf.
Port operations in India remain unaffected, with no reported congestion across major ports in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. The Ministry of Ports is actively coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and other stakeholders to ensure the welfare of seafarers and continuous maritime operations.
In a related development, 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran have recently returned safely. The Indian Embassy in Tehran played a crucial role in facilitating their transportation from southern Iran to Armenia, from where they flew back to Chennai.
The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia, prioritizing the safety and welfare of Indian nationals. A dedicated control room remains functional, working in tandem with states, Union Territories, and Indian Missions. These missions operate 24/7 helplines and provide advisories, assisting Indian nationals with visa services, consular aid, and logistical support.
Moreover, the welfare of Indian students in the region is being prioritized, with missions coordinating with local authorities, educational institutions, and examination boards to address any academic concerns. Indian Missions are also maintaining regular contact with the crew members aboard the vessels, offering consular support and facilitating family communications.
In summary, the Indian government is actively engaged in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly seafarers and stranded fishermen, while maintaining normal operations in ports and educational concerns for students abroad.
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