NewKerala.com

540 Indian Seafarers Safe in Persian Gulf Amid Regional Tensions

The Indian government is actively monitoring 20 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 540 seafarers in the western Persian Gulf region, confirming all are safe with no incidents reported in the past day. The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours. Port operations across major Indian states continue normally without congestion, according to State Maritime Boards. The government continues coordination with external affairs and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations amid regional tensions.

Key Points: 540 Indian Seafarers Monitored in Persian Gulf, Govt Says Safe

  • 20 Indian vessels with 540 crew monitored
  • Over 938 seafarers safely repatriated
  • Indian port operations remain normal
  • Navy warships deployed near key ports
  • Nearly 500,000 passengers returned since Feb 28
2 min read

20 Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers remain in Persian Gulf region: Govt

Indian government monitors 20 vessels with 540 seafarers in Persian Gulf. Over 938 seafarers repatriated. Port operations normal amid tensions.

"All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways"

New Delhi, March 28

Twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and are being actively monitored, the government said on Saturday.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region

"All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours," the ministry said. They are being actively monitored by the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

DG Shipping has facilitated safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.

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

"Coordination continues with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations," said the ministry.

Since February 28, around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region.

"Indian Missions and Posts remain in touch with the Indian community and continue to extend assistance, along with issuing necessary advisories for their safety and well-being," according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia and safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority.

As per sources and multiple reports, two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India were likely transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as the geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt movement through the critical maritime route.

Indian Navy warships have been deployed near key ports to provide assistance, with more vessels expected to arrive from the Strait in the coming days.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
My cousin is a merchant navy officer. This news brings some relief to our family. Thank you to the DG Shipping and MEA for their efforts. Hope all 540 return home safely soon. 🙏
D
David E
The Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint. While the update is positive, the underlying geopolitical tension is worrying for global trade and oil prices. India needs to diversify its energy routes in the long term.
A
Aman W
Repatriating 938 seafarers is a massive logistical task. Kudos to the teams on the ground. But I hope the coordination between ministries is as seamless as reported. Sometimes there are gaps in communication that affect families.
S
Shreya B
The fact that port operations across India are normal is crucial. Any disruption would have hit our economy hard. Good planning by the maritime boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and others.
V
Vikram M
Nearly 5 lakh passengers brought back since Feb 28? That's an incredible evacuation effort by any standard. Our diplomatic missions are doing a tough job under pressure. Salute to them.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50