On March 18, 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers in the Middle East following a period of heightened concern. As of now, there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels in the western Persian Gulf, staffed by 611 Indian seafarers. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring these operations in collaboration with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian missions, ensuring continuous communication and oversight.
Recent operations have reported that LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which recently returned from the Middle East, are currently engaged in discharging cargo according to the schedules set by oil handling companies. The DG Shipping control room remains operational around the clock, having managed over 3,300 calls and more than 6,324 emails since its activation, including 125 calls and 449 emails in just the past day.
In addition, the successful repatriation of over 472 Indian seafarers has taken place, with 25 returning in the last 24 hours alone. The Indian maritime sector is functioning smoothly without any congestion at ports, with assurances from State Maritime Boards in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Vessel movements and cargo operations are being monitored closely, with ample spare capacity and additional storage, particularly around 2,260 square meters at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.
At Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the situation remains stable, with the number of stranded containers decreasing from about 1,000 to approximately 770. The ministry is committed to overseeing shipping movements, port operations, and the safety of seafarers amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia.
Flight operations between India and the Middle East are also showing signs of improvement. On March 17, approximately 70 flights were recorded to various destinations in India, with an expected increase to 75 flights the following day. Since March 5, over 50 daily flights have been maintained, ensuring continued connectivity from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. While Qatar airspace remains partially open, allowing for a limited number of flights, Kuwait’s airspace has been closed since February 28.
In summary, the situation for Indian seafarers in the Middle East is stable, with effective measures in place for monitoring and ensuring safety, and air connectivity has been strengthened, facilitating repatriation and travel. The ministry continues its vigilant oversight to support maritime operations amidst the ongoing geopolitical landscape.
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