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India Repatriates 2500+ Seafarers Amid Gulf Tensions, Ensures Safety

India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has successfully facilitated the repatriation of over 2,563 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region amid ongoing security concerns. The operation is being closely coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions to ensure crew welfare. While two Indian vessels reported a firing incident in the Strait of Hormuz, no injuries were sustained and the situation is being monitored. An Indian-flagged tanker, Desh Garima, has safely crossed the strait and is en route to Mumbai.

Key Points: India Repatriates Over 2500 Seafarers from Gulf Region

  • Over 2500 seafarers repatriated
  • Safety is top priority
  • Vessels report firing incident in Strait of Hormuz
  • Port operations in India remain normal
2 min read

Over 2500 seafarers repatriated from Gulf region

India's shipping ministry has safely brought home over 2,563 Indian seafarers amid West Asia tensions, prioritizing crew safety and monitoring maritime security.

"The ministry... has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,563 Indian seafarers so far - Mandeep Singh Randhawa"

New Delhi, April 21

Amid the evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior government official has informed that India's repatriation operations in West Asia and the Gulf region are continuing with over 2500 Indian seafarers being repatriated from various locations. He underlined that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remains the top priority.

The remarks were made by Mandeep Singh Randhawa, Director, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during an inter-ministerial briefing here.

"DG shipping control room has handled 6,918 calls and more than 14,605 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 25 calls and 135 emails have been received. The ministry, through the Director General of Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,563 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 seafarers in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region."

Randhawa underlined that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remains the top priority, and the ministry is monitoring the situation on a continuous basis and assured to extend all possible help.

"The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations."

He also informed that the Indian-flagged crew tanker Desh Garima has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive at Mumbai on Wednesday. He also informed that there have been no injuries reported after a firing incident involving two Indian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

"Indian flagged crude tanker Desh Garima, carrying 97,422 metric tons of crude oil, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 18th April. The vessel with 31 Indian seafarers on board is expected to arrive at Mumbai on April 22, 2026."

Tensions continue in West Asia amid two week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Randhawa added, "In the past 48 hours, two Indian vessels, VLCC Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav, reported a firing incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, following which they returned to the Persian Gulf. There have been no injuries to any crew reported. The ministry is in close and continuous communication with the crew, the owners of both the vessels, and is continuously monitoring the situation."

He added that port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported at any of the port.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good work by the officials. But we must also think long-term. Why are so many of our people stuck in such volatile regions for work? We need to create more and better opportunities here in India itself. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
Hearing about the firing incident is terrifying. Thank God there were no injuries. The Strait of Hormuz is a choke point and our sailors are brave to navigate it. Continuous monitoring is crucial. Stay safe, all seafarers!
S
Sarah B
As someone with family in shipping, this news is very reassuring. The detail about the Desh Garima tanker arriving safely with all that crude oil is also important for our energy security. Well-coordinated effort.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the repatriation numbers are good, the article says "over 2500" but the official quote says "more than 2,563". A bit of inconsistency there. Clarity in communication from the ministry is also important for public trust.
K
Kavya N
Our seafarers are the unsung heroes who keep global trade moving, even in dangerous waters. Bringing them home safely is the least we can do. Proud of the response. Hope the remaining ones also return soon. ❤️

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