On March 12, 2026, a series of maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf led to the deaths of three Indian seafarers, with one still unaccounted for. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, provided details in a press briefing, noting that out of 78 Indian seafarers involved, 70 were unharmed while four sustained injuries but are stable.
Sinha outlined the current status of Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, which remains constant at 28. Among these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels with 101 seafarers are situated to the east. He emphasized that all Indian vessels and their crews are under continuous monitoring to ensure their safety.
The incidents occur amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following joint military operations by the US and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has targeted US and Israeli assets throughout several Gulf nations, leading to disruptions of critical shipping lanes and global energy markets.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been proactive in their response. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has maintained regular communication with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to address concerns regarding maritime safety and India’s energy security. Over the past few days, they have had multiple discussions, with a focus on the well-being of shipping operations in the region.
Currently, around 9,000 Indian nationals, including seafarers, students, and business professionals, are in Iran. The Indian government is providing assistance to these individuals. Some Indian students have already returned home, while others, including pilgrims in the region, have been moved to safer areas. The government is also offering support for those wishing to travel to neighboring countries like Azerbaijan and Armenia for onward flights.
Additionally, India has collaborated with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to co-sponsor a resolution at the UN Security Council, emphasizing the protection of its diaspora in the Gulf region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged in several discussions with regional leaders, advocating for diplomacy and the importance of civilian safety amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of seafarers in conflict-prone areas, emphasizing the need for effective communication and responsive measures to ensure their safety and security while navigating such turbulent waters.
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