The Indian Navy has deployed warships to the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions in West Asia. This initiative, part of Operation Sankalp, aims to ensure safe passage for merchant vessels like Shivalik and Nanda Devi through the Strait of Hormuz. The Navy offers crucial support to safeguard India’s energy supplies.
On March 16, the LPG tanker Shivalik docked at Mundra port, successfully traversing the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. Iranian authorities permitted its passage alongside the Nanda Devi, which is set to reach Kandla port. Shipping Ministry officials confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers active in the Persian Gulf.
Sagar Defence Engineering has marked a pivotal moment with the groundbreaking of the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Andhra Pradesh. Laid by Minister Nara Lokesh, this facility aims to enhance India’s defence manufacturing and autonomous maritime technologies, promoting self-reliance and innovation in the sector.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Greenfield Machilipatnam Port is poised to become a modern maritime hub. Significant construction includes breakwaters, berth creation, and extensive infrastructure. With a capacity for 80,000-ton vessels and an annual cargo management of 36 million tons, the port aims to boost regional trade and foster economic growth.
On March 15, the Indian-flagged vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ departed from Fujairah port, carrying 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil to India. The Ministry of Shipping confirmed the safety of the vessel and its Indian crew. Additionally, two LPG carriers are en route, with ongoing monitoring of Indian seafarers in the region.
Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 55-year-old seafarer from Mumbai, tragically lost his life in a tanker attack near Basra, Iraq. Just before his voyage on MT Safesea Vishnu, he was called to join the crew. Singh’s family suspects understaffing led to the last-minute decision, leaving them in shock over his death.
Two Indian-flagged vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz, transporting 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Gulf nations. They are headed to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, expected to arrive by March 16 or 17, amid ongoing regional tensions.
Veteran Indian marine engineer Deonandan Prasad Singh tragically lost his life when a drone struck the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu near an Iraqi port. The sole fatality among 28 crew members, Singh succumbed to injuries after being evacuated. This incident underscores the escalating dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla inaugurated the 55th National Safety Week from March 12 to 18, 2026. Deputy Chairman Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta lit a ceremonial lamp to reaffirm the commitment to safety. The DPA also introduced a Standard Operating Procedures booklet to enhance cargo handling safety throughout its operations.
In response to escalating security concerns in the Gulf region, India is intensifying its vigilance over Indian-flagged vessels and crews. Monitoring three key ships in the Gulf of Oman, the government ensures the safety of 76 seafarers aboard, while establishing a 24/7 helpline for support during these turbulent times.
A senior official has confirmed that the oil tanker Jag Prakash, one of 28 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, has successfully departed. It was transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa and is expected to reach Tanga, Tanzania, on March 21 amid escalating regional tensions.
The Goa Maritime Officers Association has urged the government to establish a Mercantile Marine Department office in Vasco, highlighting the need for local certification services. Currently, seafarers must travel outside Goa for these facilities. The association also proposed a Goa Maritime Bhavan and Convention Centre to centralize maritime activities.
Eight Indian seafarers who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Khasab port in Oman are set to return home after completing their travel documentation. The attack, which resulted in one death and another missing crew member, left them stranded without essential documents for 12 days.
Three Indian seafarers have tragically died, one is missing, and four others are injured in recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels amid the Iran conflict. Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Shipping Ministry confirmed that 70 out of 78 seafarers aboard escaped unharmed, while the government monitors the situation closely.
Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, unveiled plans for the state to emerge as a global hub for maritime innovation. This initiative includes the establishment of an autonomous maritime shipyard at Juvvaladinne harbor, benefiting local fishing communities and enhancing coastal security and marine technology.
