India is prioritizing the return of its stranded ships in the Gulf before sending any vessels to load fuel, according to Mukesh Mangal from the Ministry of Ports. He highlighted the urgency of securing all Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with ongoing coordination between shipping and foreign ministries.
On May 21, the Ministry of Ports confirmed that Indian seafarers in West Asia are safe despite regional tensions. Mukesh Mangal assured no incidents involving Indian vessels occurred recently. The government is monitoring the situation closely, with over 3,300 seafarers repatriated and plans to send ships if conditions permit.
Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) achieved a record annual turnover of ₹1,214.09 crore in FY 2025-26, marking a 50-year milestone. With a Profit After Tax of ₹4.75 crore and a significant revenue surge of 73% in Q4, DCIL positions itself as a key player in India’s maritime infrastructure development.
The Mormugao Port Authority has implemented measures to bolster India’s energy security amid escalating geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. Priority berthing will be given to vessels transporting essential commodities, alongside significant billing adjustments for exporters, easing cash flow challenges during ongoing shipping uncertainties in West Asia.
Nautika is set to launch the Nautika Prride, its fastest and most advanced catamaran, enhancing inter-island travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a capacity of 400 passengers, this luxurious ferry can reach speeds of 24 knots and meets international safety standards, promising a superior travel experience.
India and Norway are strengthening collaboration in green energy, maritime industries, and digital infrastructure through the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This initiative aims to attract USD 100 billion in investments and create one million jobs in India, signaling a shift towards long-term economic integration and innovation.
During the Norway-India Business and Research Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ambitious incentives to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in shipbuilding. He aims to increase India’s share of Norway’s ship construction from 10% to 25% in five years, promoting green initiatives and attracting global investment in strategic manufacturing.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as “unacceptable.” During a UNECOSOC meeting, he emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure maritime safety and address the ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by conflict in West Asia.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported the safe repatriation of over 3,217 Indian seafarers from the Gulf, with 61 returning in the last 96 hours. Operations at Indian ports remain normal, and no incidents involving Indian vessels or crews have been reported, ensuring maritime safety and efficiency.
Recently, Mumbai hosted a key session by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), focusing on the Gulf Crisis and its impact on global maritime trade. Senior officials and industry stakeholders, including Shri Vijay Kumar of MoPSW, discussed operational strategies, safety for Indian seafarers, and strengthening domestic maritime capabilities in response to geopolitical challenges.
The Directorate General of Shipping has launched a 24×7 Grievance Redressal Mechanism to support India’s maritime community. This initiative offers seafarers and their families access to assistance via toll-free helplines, WhatsApp, and email, ensuring swift responses to operational and emergency concerns, reinforcing the commitment to their welfare.
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the resilience and contributions of women seafarers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. He noted a significant increase in women entering the profession, driven by policy reforms aimed at empowering them and fostering inclusivity in India’s maritime sector.
The Indian government has appointed SBI Ventures as the fund manager for the ₹20,000-crore Maritime Investment Fund (MIF). This initiative aims to attract capital for the maritime sector. SBI Ventures, managing around ₹30,000 crores in assets, will oversee investments, enhancing funding opportunities within the industry significantly.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Gateway Terminals India have settled a 14-year tariff dispute, creating a ₹286.55 crore infrastructure fund and refunding ₹18.1 crore to port users. This resolution, facilitated by a Conciliation Committee, aims to enhance commercial relations and infrastructure development at JNPA, targeting increased container throughput.
India’s oil refiners are reassessing their sourcing strategies for Russian crude as the U.S. waiver expires. Analysts predict state-run companies will diversify their suppliers, eyeing Middle Eastern, West African, and U.S. crude. This shift not only addresses regulatory risks but also aims to ensure a compliant tanker fleet for safe transport.
