Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, approximately 10.97 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28. The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima is expected to reach Mumbai safely on April 22, as confirmed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
Efforts are underway to safeguard seafarers and maintain shipping operations, with close coordination between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders. While Desh Garima’s journey proceeds smoothly, two other Indian vessels, VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav, encountered a firing incident while passing through the Strait of Hormuz within the last 24 hours.
Following the incident, both ships returned to the Persian Gulf unharmed, with no casualties among the crew members. India has expressed its apprehensions to Iran, summoning the Ambassador for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary. During the meeting, India emphasized the necessity of ensuring merchant shipping’s safety and urged Iranian authorities to expedite the passage of India-bound vessels through the Strait.
In response to the situation, flight operations are ongoing from countries with accessible airspace, with a focus on safety and operational requirements. The UAE is expected to operate about 110 flights to and from India, including limited non-scheduled commercial services. Flight services are also active from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar Airways plans to conduct 10 to 11 flights to India with the partial reopening of Qatari airspace.
Iran’s airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitating the evacuation and transit of 2,378 Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for their return to India. This group includes more than 1,000 Indian students and several hundred fishermen.
