All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are confirmed safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 24 hours, as stated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Currently, 17 Indian-flagged vessels with 460 Indian seafarers are in the western Persian Gulf region, being actively monitored by the Director General (DG) Shipping in collaboration with ship owners and Indian Missions. The Ministry assures continuous monitoring of shipping activities, port operations, and the well-being of Indian seafarers to ensure seamless maritime trade.
The DG Shipping Control Room operates 24×7, having handled 5,088 calls and 10,547 emails since activation, with 73 calls and 122 emails received in the past 24 hours. Over 1,479 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 159 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Persian Gulf. Port operations in India are functioning normally without any reported congestion, as confirmed by State Maritime Boards of several states. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways remains in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.
Indian Missions and Posts in the region are actively assisting the Indian community, providing necessary support, and issuing advisories for their safety and well-being, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry facilitated the return of 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran, with the Indian Embassy in Tehran aiding their movement from South Iran to Armenia, from where they flew to Chennai. The Ministry of External Affairs maintains a vigilant watch on the situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, prioritizing the safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals.
A dedicated control room is operational, ensuring regular coordination with states/Union Territories and Indian Missions. Helplines, advisories, and engagements with Indian community associations, companies, and local authorities are ongoing. Consular services, visas, transit facilitation, and logistical support are being provided to those in need. Indian students’ welfare is a key focus, with missions collaborating with local authorities, schools, Boards, and the National Testing Agency to address academic concerns. Continuous support is extended to Indian crew on vessels, including consular assistance, family communication facilitation, and assistance with return requests.
