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All Indian Seafarers Safe in Persian Gulf, No Shipping Incidents: Govt

The Indian government has confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers and vessels in the Persian Gulf region, with no shipping incidents reported in the past 24 hours. Over 472 seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 25 in the last day, facilitated by a 24/7 control room. India's maritime ports are operating without congestion, with additional storage capacity being created at key locations like Visakhapatnam. Meanwhile, flight connectivity between India and the Middle East is gradually improving, with increased services from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, though Kuwait's airspace remains closed.

Key Points: Indian Seafarers Safe in Persian Gulf, No Shipping Incidents

  • 611 Indian seafarers on 22 vessels in Persian Gulf
  • Over 472 seafarers safely repatriated so far
  • Ports operating smoothly with no congestion
  • Flight operations to Middle East gradually improving
  • DG Shipping control room handles thousands of calls and emails
2 min read

All Indian seafarers, ships in Persian Gulf region are safe: Govt

Indian government confirms safety of all seafarers and vessels in the Persian Gulf region, with smooth maritime operations and improving flight connectivity.

"All Indian seafarers in the Middle East region are safe, and no shipping incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported - Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways"

New Delhi, March 18

All Indian seafarers in the Middle East region are safe, and no shipping incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Wednesday.

At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, with the Directorate General of Shipping continuing close monitoring in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, a ministry statement said.

LPG carrier vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which have returned from the Middle East, are currently discharging cargo as per the schedule of oil handling companies.

The DG Shipping control room continues to operate 24×7 and has handled 3,305 calls and 6,324 emails since activation, including 125 calls and 449 emails in the past 24 hours. The safe repatriation of more than 472 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the past 24 hours, from airports and regional locations, has been facilitated, according to the statement.

India's maritime sector continues to operate smoothly with no congestion reported at ports, including confirmation from State Maritime Boards such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, the statement said.

Ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations and have adequate spare capacity, with additional storage space created, including around 2,260 square metres at Visakhapatnam Port Authority. At the JNPA, the situation remains normal with the number of stranded containers reducing further from about 1,000 to around 770.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to monitor shipping movements, port operations, safety of seafarers and continuity of maritime trade in view of the evolving situation in West Asia, the statement added.

Meanwhile, flight operations are gradually improving with additional services being introduced between India and the Middle East region, according to an official statement.

In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on March 17 and about 75 flights are expected today to various destinations in India. Over 50 flights have been operating daily since 5 March 2026, indicating improved connectivity.

Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. The Qatar airspace remains partially open, with 5 flights operated on Tuesday and services to nine Indian destinations announced from Wednesday

However, the Kuwait airspace has remained closed since February 28. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see a detailed update. The numbers are reassuring - 611 seafarers being monitored closely. Hope the flights situation improves further for those waiting to return.
A
Arjun K
Our sailors are the backbone of our trade. Glad the DG Shipping is on the job. The real test is sustaining this smooth operation if tensions escalate. Ports having spare capacity is a smart move.
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Priya S
While the update is positive, I hope the communication to families on the ground is just as efficient. Sometimes official statements are clear, but individual families are left anxious without specific info about their loved ones.
V
Vikram M
The data on flights is crucial. Over 70 flights from UAE is a good sign. Hope the Kuwait airspace opens soon. Our seafarers and the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf need stable connectivity.
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Karthik V
Salute to the DG Shipping control room staff handling thousands of calls and emails. It's a tough job. Also good to see ports like Gujarat and Maharashtra reporting no congestion. Our supply chains must remain robust.

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