In a recent briefing in New Delhi, the Indian government announced the successful repatriation of 3,587 Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, emphasized the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of maritime personnel. He noted that Indian vessels and crews operating in the Persian Gulf are under close surveillance, with the ministry collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of External Affairs and shipping companies, to support seafarers and their families.
Sharma revealed that the ministry’s control room has received over 12,737 calls and more than 28,000 emails since its activation, including 406 calls and 784 emails in the past 96 hours alone. He confirmed that the Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the repatriation of 50 seafarers in this timeframe. Notably, the LNG carrier Disha successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach Dahej port in Gujarat soon, with overall port operations in India reported to be normal and congestion-free.
Amid these developments, concerns about maritime security have intensified, particularly following the reported deaths of three Indian seafarers due to an attack on the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the incident, asserting that such attacks on commercial shipping are unacceptable. The Congress party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek accountability from the U.S. regarding these fatalities.
In related news, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, assured that fuel supplies across India remain stable. She indicated that refineries are operating at optimal capacity, with adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Sharma also noted a shift in fuel purchasing patterns, with significant sales moving from bulk to retail channels, reflecting increased demand from industrial and institutional consumers.
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