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All Indian Seafarers Safe in Gulf, Over 2,084 Repatriated Amid Regional Tensions

The Indian government has confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia region, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels. More than 2,084 seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 75 in the last 24 hours. Port operations in India remain normal, and a 24/7 control room has handled over 6,000 calls and 12,000 emails to coordinate assistance. Indian missions are issuing regular advisories and facilitating travel from the region, though airspace remains closed over Iran and Israel.

Key Points: Indian Seafarers Safe, 2,084 Repatriated from Gulf: Govt

  • All Indian seafarers confirmed safe
  • Over 2,084 seafarers repatriated so far
  • 24/7 control room handles thousands of queries
  • Flights operating from open airspaces
2 min read

All Indian seafarers in Gulf and West Asia region safe, over 2,084 repatriated: Centre

Indian govt confirms safety of all seafarers in Gulf & West Asia, repatriates over 2,084. Ports normal, 24/7 helplines active.

"Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 12

All Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours, the government said on Sunday.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,084 Indian seafarers so far, including 75 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.

"Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations," according to an official statement.

The Shipping Control Room remains operational 24x7 and has handled 6,053 calls and more than 12,787 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 80 calls and 112 emails have been received, it added.

Across the region, Indian Missions and Posts remain in close contact with the Indian community, while continuing to provide assistance and issue necessary advisories for their safety and well-being.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region.

"Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services," it added.

"Our Missions remain actively engaged with Indian community associations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region," according to the ministry.

Flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since February 28, around 8,97,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 95 flights expected today.

Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8-10 flights to India today.

"Iran airspace remains closed. We continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Iran, through Armenia and Azerbaijan to India," said the ministry. Israeli airspace also remains closed. Travel of Indian nationals continue to be facilitated through Jordan and Egypt to India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Over 2,084 repatriated is a significant number. The coordination between ministries seems to be working well. However, I hope the process for those still waiting is expedited, especially with airspace closures in Iran and Israel. The uncertainty is the hardest part for families.
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Rohit P
Good job by the government! But let's not forget, these seafarers are the backbone of our economy, bringing in crucial remittances. Their safety should always be the top priority, not just during crises. Need permanent, robust protocols for their welfare.
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Priya S
The scale of the operation is mind-boggling - 12,787 emails handled! The staff at our missions must be working round the clock. Hats off to them. As an NRI in Dubai, it's reassuring to know the embassy is so active.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the detailed breakdown. Nearly 900,000 passengers have travelled from the region since Feb! That's a huge logistical challenge managed alongside the seafarer repatriation. The aviation and shipping ministries deserve credit.
K
Kavya N
This is positive news, but the statement says "all Indian seafarers... are safe". I truly hope this is accurate and not just diplomatic reassurance. Families need complete transparency. The mention of routes through Armenia/Azerbaijan shows how complex this is.
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