The Indian government has successfully repatriated over 2,922 seafarers from the Gulf, with 30 returning in the last 24 hours. Collaborating with various ministries, the government is ensuring their welfare amid a closely monitored situation in West Asia. Port operations remain stable, and flight services are gradually improving.
Seafarers returning from conflict-ridden Iran expressed despair over their situation. Manan Singh Chauhan recounted terrifying missile strikes, claiming, “On Eid, 70-80 missiles shook the ground.” Stranded in Khorramshahr, he and his crew awaited sign-offs. Criticizing government inaction, he lamented that half their salary went to travel costs.
India has repatriated 29 seafarers from the Gulf, raising the total to 2,829. Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Mukesh Mangal reassured that all Indian vessels remain safe, with no incidents reported recently. The government also dismissed viral claims of fuel price hikes as false, urging the public to verify information.
Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) is launching a major expansion, signing three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance its infrastructure. The first phase involves an ₹800 crore investment via public-private partnerships, featuring a significant collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation to establish a dedicated oil bunkering facility, strengthening Vizhinjam’s position as a maritime hub.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) reported impressive financial results for FY26, achieving a revenue of ₹7,002 crore and a 42% increase in profit after tax, totaling ₹748 crore. Chairman Cmde PR Hari noted the delivery of eight warships, emphasizing GRSE’s operational strengths and commitment to future growth and innovation.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reassured that all Indian vessels and crews in the Persian Gulf are safe, despite rising tensions. Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal confirmed no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels, emphasizing active monitoring and successful repatriation efforts for over 2,800 Indian seafarers. Operations remain normal.
India’s inland waterways sector has reached a historic milestone, transporting 145.84 million metric tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25, positioning it among Asia’s most commercially active systems. Passenger traffic surged to 76 million journeys, driven by new services and urban demand. Ongoing investments and infrastructure improvements promise continued growth.
The Bombay High Court has raised the compensation for the family of Rajesh Deshmukh, a deceased maritime engineer, from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1.31 crore. Justice Jitendra Jain criticized the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal for underestimating Deshmukh’s income, emphasizing the higher earnings in the offshore sector. The insurer must deposit the revised amount within 12 weeks.
India has successfully repatriated over 2,764 seafarers from the Gulf, with around 1.3 million passengers returning from West Asia since February 28. The government assures the safety of all Indian seafarers, reporting no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring the situation for Indian nationals.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata has achieved a landmark milestone with India’s first midstream container handling operation at Diamond Harbour. This innovative process enables the efficient transfer of export cargo from the Bengal-Bihar-Jharkhand region to global markets, improving logistics and enhancing the port’s competitiveness for large container vessels.
The inauguration of the new OTM Administrative Complex at Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13 in Puducherry marks a major leap in India’s maritime security. Unveiled by DG Paramesh Sivamani, the facility enhances operational efficiency, featuring an advanced Operations Centre and Maritime Rescue Sub Centre for improved command and coordination in maritime challenges.
Recent shipping data indicates that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to historic lows due to rising military tensions. Despite this, an Indian-owned oil tanker successfully navigated the strait, highlighting the risks involved. Analysts warn that reduced vessel traffic threatens global energy supply stability and raises shipping costs.
India is contemplating a temporary transfer of its stake in Chabahar Port to an Iranian entity due to the upcoming expiration of a US sanctions waiver on April 26, 2026. The plan aims to safeguard India’s strategic interests while maintaining access to the port, crucial for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering has signed a $4 billion MOU with Tamil Nadu and Sagarmala Finance Corporation to establish a greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi. This marks the first foreign-owned shipyard in India, with a production capacity of 3.5 to 4 million tonnes, aimed at enhancing the local shipbuilding ecosystem.
The Indian government plans to launch dedicated vessel services on West Asia trade routes to address soaring logistics costs, which have surged by 60-80% since February’s Hormuz crisis. This initiative aims to enhance direct shipping between India and Gulf Cooperation Council markets, improving delivery reliability and reducing dependence on transshipment hubs.
