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Indian Navy on Standby as Merchant Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz

Two merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India are currently crossing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with the Indian Navy on standby to provide support. Authorities confirm that all 20 Indian-flagged ships and approximately 540 Indian seafarers in the region are safe. The government is closely monitoring the volatile situation and urgently calls for the preservation of safe maritime transit through the chokepoint. Officials also revealed that four India-bound LPG carriers have recently navigated the strait successfully.

Key Points: Indian Navy Stands Guard for Ships in Strait of Hormuz

  • Two ships crossing now
  • Navy on standby
  • 20 Indian-flagged ships safe
  • Call for free navigation
  • 4 LPG vessels passed recently
2 min read

2 merchant ships with petroleum products for India crossing St of Hormuz, more expected to follow: Sources

Indian Navy warships on standby as merchant vessels with petroleum products cross the Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirm safety of Indian ships and crew.

"We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, March 28

Two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India are crossing Strait of Hormuz. Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide support to them, sources told.

More vessels are expected to follow soon, the sources added.

Earlier, Speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with various stakeholders.

"In the Gulf region, there has been no information in the last 24 hours regarding any incident involving Indian-flagged ships or Indian seafarers. All are safe," Sinha said.

He added that Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf are also safe.

"In the Persian Gulf, there are 20 ships sailing under the Indian flag, with around 540 Indians onboard, and they are also safe," he said.

Sinha further said the Directorate General of Shipping has been actively responding to queries and concerns through its communication centre.

"In the last 24 hours, the DG Shipping communication centre, which operates 24 hours a day, received 98 calls and 335 emails, all of which were responded to," he said.

On Friday, India reiterated its urgent call for the preservation of safe and uninterrupted maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that international law must be upheld amidst the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. The government confirmed it is maintaining a vigilant watch over regional volatilities to protect national energy interests.

During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is actively coordinating with global partners to ensure stability.

"We are closely following all developments in West Asia. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," Jaiswal noted.

Providing a significant update on maritime safety, the spokesperson revealed that four Indian-bound vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) successfully navigated the strategic chokepoint.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The proactive communication from DG Shipping is commendable. 98 calls and 335 emails answered in 24 hours shows they are taking families' concerns seriously. A small but important reassurance.
A
Arjun K
While the Navy's presence is reassuring, we need a long-term strategy. Our economy is too dependent on this single chokepoint. Time to seriously invest in alternative energy sources and diversify supply routes.
P
Priya S
My brother is a seafarer. News like this always makes us anxious. Glad to hear the authorities are confirming the safety of all 540 Indians on those 20 ships. 🙏 Hope the situation stabilizes soon.
V
Vikram M
The government's statement on upholding international law is crucial. Freedom of navigation in international waters is non-negotiable. Good to see India coordinating with global partners on this.
K
Karthik V
The Strait of Hormuz is like our economic artery. Any tension there directly impacts petrol prices here. Hope the diplomacy works and the ships pass without any hiccup.

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