During a media briefing, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, assured the safety of Indian seafarers in West Asia amid rising tensions. He stated that operations continue uninterrupted, emphasizing government efforts to monitor vessels and crews in the Persian Gulf to ensure their safety.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India, signaling a potential thaw in relations. His discussions with Indian officials focused on energy cooperation, including requests for increased fuel and fertilizer supplies. The talks also aimed to ease travel restrictions and enhance security cooperation, marking a diplomatic initiative from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration.
India is set to launch a USD 1.5 billion sovereign guarantee fund to bolster reinsurance for domestic marine insurers servicing vessels in high-risk areas like the Persian Gulf. This initiative addresses a severe marine war risk insurance market disruption, with European premiums surging up to 1000% since February, ensuring operational confidence for Indian shippers.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has confirmed the safety of Indian seafarers in the Western Persian Gulf. No incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels were reported in the past 24 hours. Two LPG carriers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the safety of operations amid geopolitical concerns.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority’s FY 2025-26 trade data reveals remarkable growth, with exports increasing by 19.4% to 33.67 million tonnes, driven by demand for manufactured goods. Imports rose by 5.5%, totaling 57.45 million tonnes. Overall throughput reached a record 90.3 million tonnes, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency across various cargo types.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has made a groundbreaking advancement in India’s green shipbuilding sector by securing a Category 4 order from Energy ONE Limited. This order includes constructing four 92,500 DWT dual-fuel ammonia bulk carriers, marking India’s first such endeavor and showcasing significant technological advancements in the industry.
The Indian government reported that 16 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying 433 seafarers, are currently in the western Persian Gulf. The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation, ensuring safety. Over 1,599 seafarers have been repatriated, with operations at Indian ports running smoothly amid ongoing evacuations from the Gulf region.
On National Maritime Day, India announced a ₹48,862 crore project for the International Container Transshipment Port at Galathea Bay, receiving approval from the Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s international shipping position, maintaining a 55% stake for an Indian entity. Prime Minister Modi emphasized enhancing maritime capabilities for economic growth.
During an inter-ministerial press conference, Mukesh Mangal, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, assured that all seafarers in conflict-affected areas are safe. He reported no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels recently and confirmed that two LPG carriers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid rising crude oil prices.
SCILAL and Synergy Marine have partnered to enhance maritime training and capability development, focusing on digitalization and sustainability. This collaboration will launch a Diploma in Nautical Studies at SCILAL’s Maritime Training Institute, addressing emerging technologies and decarbonization while aiming to increase India’s global seafaring workforce share by 2030.
A tragic incident at Pune’s Tolani Maritime Institute claimed the life of 20-year-old cadet Vishal Verma when a basketball backboard fell during his workout. Despite immediate help, he succumbed to severe head injuries. This event has raised urgent concerns about safety standards and maintenance of sports equipment in educational institutions.
The remains of 32-year-old seafarer Dixit Solanki, who died in a missile strike off Oman, were returned to Mumbai on Sunday. His family awaits DNA confirmation before conducting final rites. An advocate plans to petition the Bombay High Court for forensic testing, emphasizing the need for verification before proceeding.
On April 5, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated National Maritime Day, highlighting India’s maritime heritage and the vital contributions of individuals in the sector. He affirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing maritime potential for economic growth. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal echoed this, envisioning India as a top global maritime power.
All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Ports. Currently, 17 Indian-flagged ships with 460 seafarers are present. The DG Shipping is monitoring the situation closely to ensure crew safety and operational continuity.
National Maritime Day in India, celebrated on April 5, honors the nation’s maritime heritage and the shipping industry’s vital role in global trade. Established in 1964, it commemorates the historic 1919 voyage of SS Loyalty, breaking the British monopoly. The day promotes maritime safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices.
