At the G7 summit in France, Prime Minister Modi raised urgent concerns about maritime security after a US military strike killed three Indian sailors off Oman. Modi emphasized the need to protect Indian seafarers and global shipping, urging international cooperation amid mounting Middle Eastern tensions threatening vital energy trade routes.
India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met with the 21 crew members of the MT Settebello before their repatriation, commendably acknowledging their resilience. He expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of three sailors during the attack and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting Indian nationals in distress.
At the Maritime Reform Utsav, the Shipping Corporation of India announced plans to expand its fleet of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). This initiative aims to enhance India’s energy supply chain by boosting LPG imports, reducing reliance on foreign vessels, and supporting cleaner energy transitions while lowering logistics costs.
The ambitious project in Nicobar, covering 166 square kilometers, aims to transform the region with an estimated cost of Rs. 80,000 crore. Key components include an international container transshipment terminal and a dual-use airport. This initiative seeks to enhance India’s maritime capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign ports for container transshipment.
Allcargo Group, through its CSR arm Avashya Foundation, has partnered with Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) to foster skill development for youth. The initiative aims to link education with market-relevant skills and certifications, particularly aiding underserved communities, while promoting social transformation and economic empowerment.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has petitioned the Bombay High Court to expedite a third auction for the abandoned vessel Sencer 1, moored in Mumbai since June 2025. This follows the release of five stranded seafarers who endured harsh conditions for nearly ten months. Swift action is needed to address maritime claims.
In response to rising safety concerns for Indian seafarers amid recent vessel attacks in West Asia, the Directorate General of Shipping has launched e-Navik 24×7, a digital grievance redressal platform. This initiative enables seafarers and shipping companies to submit and track complaints in real time, enhancing support and efficiency.
The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) has formally protested to the US Ambassador regarding the deaths of three Indian seafarers in recent military actions. Expressing “deep pain and anguish,” SJM criticized the US response as insensitive and called for an impartial investigation, accountability, and compensation for the victims’ families.
Shyam Jagannathan, India’s Director General of Shipping, has introduced an eight-pillar decarbonization roadmap for the maritime sector, essential for 90%-95% of international trade. Emphasizing green fuels, ship recycling, and seafarer training, he called for sustainable shipping investments to combat shipping’s 2%-3% global carbon emissions contribution, ensuring a greener future for India.
The Indian LNG carrier Disha has made history by navigating the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first LNG vessel bound for India to depart this high-risk area in over three months. Managed by the Shipping Corporation of India and chartered by Petronet LNG, it carries approximately 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG.
JSW Infrastructure Ltd, part of the $23 billion JSW group, is evaluating a proposed greenfield deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, West Bengal. This decision follows the state government’s announcement of shifting from Tajpur, aligning with JSW’s commitment to industrial growth and increasing cargo demands, supported by improved connectivity and land availability.
Over 562 Indian sailors have been stranded for 107 days on 13 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The situation has led to uncertainty at sea, with ongoing efforts to address crew welfare and individual vessel incidents.
India has launched its first Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal to strengthen the domestic wind energy sector. This platform enhances manufacturing, promotes exports, and enables efficient tracking of components from production to project sites. It aims to improve coordination among stakeholders and elevate India’s position as a key player in global wind energy.
Twelve cargo ships carrying vital supplies of urea and DAP are set to arrive at Indian ports within the next week, offering essential support for the upcoming kharif planting season. With current fertilizer stocks deemed sufficient, proactive measures are in place to ensure farmers receive adequate resources for agricultural productivity.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to bolster India’s maritime security as a Recognised Security Organisation under the ISPS Code. This initiative supports the vision of a technology-driven security framework, enhancing port safety and aligning with India’s Blue Economy 2.0 and Amrit Kaal 2047 objectives.
