Indian missions across Gulf region providing full support to ships and seafarers: MEA
New Delhi, Aug 7
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stated that Indian missions across the Gulf region are in constant contact with the shipping ministry and the local authorities while running a 24x7 helplines to assist Indian flagged vessels and seafarers amid escalating tensions in the region.
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the ongoing measures taken by India to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers.
"This is a subject of high importance, and we attach high priority to the issue. Our missions all across the Gulf region are in constant contact with the Ministry of Shipping, as also with maritime authorities in those countries and other authorities as well, so that as and when any support is required to be provided to our seafarers or Indian flagged ships, they can do that," the spokesperson noted.
"They have been running 24/7 helplines so that any person who needs support, not just seafarers but others, can also approach them. These 24x7 helplines have been operating throughout the last several months; they continue to be run," he highlighted.
The MEA spokesperson also called for safe and unimpeded navigation and free flow of commerce through the international waterways.
"We also call upon all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure and especially commercial vessels and seafarers," he emphasised.
Earlier this week, an India flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen after it was attacked by an explosives-laden boat.
The MEA condemned the attack on Tuesday and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals have been rescued and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation, proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," the ministry stated.
Yemen's government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) had blamed the Houthi group for the attack.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is reassuring. The situation in the Red Sea is tense, and it's critical that India is looking after its citizens. The rescue of the 13 crew members from MSV Faize Noore Oliya shows the system works when needed.
Hats off to our embassy teams working round the clock. But I wish the government would do more to prevent these attacks in the first place. Commercial vessels shouldn't be caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts. 😔
India's diplomatic outreach in the Gulf is underrated. Running helplines for months, coordinating with Yemeni authorities, and calling for safe navigation—this is what responsible global leadership looks like.
Respectful criticism: While the helplines are good, we need a more robust naval presence to deter such attacks. Our seafarers risk their lives daily to keep trade moving—they deserve stronger protection than just a helpline.
As someone whose uncle is a seafarer in that region, this news gives me some peace of mind. The MEA's quick response after the attack shows they take our sailors' safety seriously. Stay safe, all our brave sailors! 🇮🇳
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