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16 Indian Ships with 433 Crew Remain in Persian Gulf Amid Tensions

The Indian government reports that 16 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 433 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, with two LPG vessels having recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely. The Directorate General of Shipping has coordinated the repatriation of over 1,599 Indian seafarers, including 120 in the last day. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for travel back to India. Port operations across the country are functioning normally with no reported congestion.

Key Points: Indian Vessels, Seafarers in Persian Gulf: Govt Update

  • 16 Indian vessels in Persian Gulf
  • 433 Indian seafarers onboard
  • Over 1,599 seafarers repatriated
  • Port operations across India normal
  • Embassy facilitated 1,777 nationals from Iran
2 min read

16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 seafarers remain in Persian Gulf: Govt

Govt reports 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 seafarers in Persian Gulf. Over 1,599 seafarers repatriated, ports operating normally.

"DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,599 Indian seafarers so far - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 6

The government on Monday said that 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, as in the past two days, two LPG vessels, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) continues close monitoring in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, according to an official statement after the inter-ministerial briefing on West Asia.

"DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,599 Indian seafarers so far, including 120 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations across the Gulf," the statement added.

Meanwhile, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

The Embassy of India in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.

This includes 895 Indian students and 345 Indian fishermen. The fishermen travelled from Armenia to Chennai on April 4, 2026. The Embassy also facilitated the transit of two foreign nationals-one from Bangladesh and one from Sri Lanka.

Of the total evacuated, 1,545 crossed into Armenia and 234 into Azerbaijan. India has expressed appreciation to the authorities of Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan for their support in facilitating safe transit of the evacuees, said the government.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.

Since February 28, around 7,30,000 passengers have travelled from the war-affected region to India.

"In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations, with around 90 flights expected to operate today to India. Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India," said the government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The efforts to bring back our students and fishermen are commendable. But I have a question - what about the families of these 433 seafarers? Is there a dedicated helpline for them to get real-time updates? Transparency is key in such tense situations.
A
Aman W
Heartening to see our missions in Tehran coordinating with Armenia and Azerbaijan. It shows the importance of good diplomatic relations. Hope the remaining vessels can navigate safely soon. 🙏
S
Sarah B
The scale is staggering - 7,30,000 passengers since Feb 28! The logistics involved must be immense. Kudos to the MEA and all agencies. Also good to see help extended to nationals from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. That's neighborly spirit.
V
Vikram M
While the evacuation efforts are good, the report of "limited non-scheduled flights" from UAE based on "operational and safety considerations" worries me. Are commercial airlines hesitating? This could strand many more Indians. The government should ensure more predictable flight schedules.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a coastal state, I'm relieved to hear port operations are normal. Any disruption would hit our economy hard. Stay safe, all our sailors and citizens in the region. Bring them home soon!

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