Parents of four Indian seafarers stranded on the DIVA near Basra, Iraq, are pleading with the government for urgent repatriation. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation due to the vessel’s proximity to active bombardment zones.
In the past 24 hours, the Indian Shipping Ministry reported no incidents involving Indian ships or seafarers, confirming the safety of all 540 crew members in the Persian Gulf. This announcement aims to alleviate concerns amid rising maritime tensions, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting its maritime workforce and ensuring their safety.
India has secured its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in years, following a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions. The sanctioned tanker, Aurora, is set to arrive at Mangalore soon. The LPG will be distributed among major retailers, with payments made in rupees, amid India’s ongoing gas crisis.
On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the critical situation in the Middle East, particularly the significance of the Strait of Hormuz. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to de-escalation, noting the strait’s essential role in global trade, especially regarding India’s crude oil imports, amid rising tensions.
Argentina has significantly boosted its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports to India, effectively doubling shipment volumes to address supply gaps from West Asian energy route disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian importers are leveraging Argentina’s enhanced capacity and competitive pricing, marking a strategic shift in LPG sourcing.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is exploring a four-year concession extension for the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), expiring June 30, 2027. This proposal aims to align NSICT’s tenure with the adjacent DP World-operated terminal until 2031, facilitating a unified mega-terminal strategy for India’s largest container port.
The Indian government has reinstated full benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for exporters impacted by the West Asia crisis, addressing rising logistics costs and supply chain issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure. This restoration is vital for labor-intensive sectors facing heightened freight rates and War Risk Surcharges, ensuring competitiveness amidst challenges.
Last week, the MSC Alexandra lost its moorings during a sudden thunderstorm, colliding with a new pier at Mundra Port, India. Strong winds broke the ship’s mooring lines, causing it to drift. Fortunately, waterfront workers escaped just before the incident, while the ship sounded its horn to warn others.
Two Indian-flagged very large gas carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a cautious return of Indian vessels to this vital energy route amid geopolitical tensions. Their transit illustrates Iran’s selective access policy for non-adversarial nations, vital for India’s LPG supply chain.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is essential to India’s energy security, recently welcoming the oil tanker Aqua Titan with 96,099 tonnes of crude oil and the Pysix Pioneer carrying 16,714 tonnes of LPG. These shipments reflect the government’s proactive measures to stabilize fuel supply amid global uncertainties.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has classified the Lila Jamnagar, a 298,997 DWT Very Large Crude Carrier, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Owned by RFK Shipping and registered in GIFT City, this vessel marks a significant milestone in India’s tanker fleet, affirming IRS’s commitment to global safety and performance standards.
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz. They are expected to reach Indian ports by March 28, carrying 92,612.59 metric tonnes of LPG. The Ministry of Ports assures stable maritime operations and crew safety.
India is working closely with Iranian officials to ensure the safe passage of 22 Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted due to regional tensions. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha confirmed that 611 Indian seafarers are being monitored, with recent shipments delivered without incident amid ongoing safety discussions.
In a recent Lok Sabha address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the urgent need to facilitate the return of Indian seafarers stranded in the Gulf due to the West Asia crisis. With 778 seafarers reported stranded, families of two missing individuals have appealed for government intervention to locate their loved ones.
The maritime sector is operating smoothly, with no port congestion reported. Authorities are ensuring the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of trade, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels are in the Persian Gulf, and all Indian seafarers are safe.
