India is closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly concerning Iran, as government agencies track the movement of Indian vessels and the safety of approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers in the region. As of March 3, official data indicated that 36 Indian-flagged ships were operating in the Persian Gulf, with 24 situated west of the Strait of Hormuz and 12 to the east, including the Gulf of Oman. Additionally, two vessels were active in the Gulf of Aden, while no Indian ships were reported in the Red Sea.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has seven vessels deployed in the Gulf area. In response to the heightened risks, government agencies have increased their monitoring efforts, reducing the communication polling frequency for ships from six hours to one hour to enhance tracking capabilities. This allows for more immediate updates on vessel movements and crew safety.
Currently, around 1,074 Indian sailors are aboard Indian-flagged vessels, while the majority work on foreign-flagged merchant ships that regularly transit through this vital shipping corridor. Maritime authorities are working in coordination to ensure real-time information on the status of Indian crew members and vessel movements, especially given the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil trade.
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