India is actively monitoring the safety of over 4,500 Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, including 163 aboard 12 active ships, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the maritime presence includes six Indian-flagged vessels and six foreign-flagged ships transporting cargo to India. He assured that the Ministry of Shipping, in collaboration with Indian diplomatic missions and local entities, is maintaining constant surveillance to ensure the well-being of these crews.
This update comes amid rising security threats in global maritime corridors, particularly in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Black Sea, where commercial shipping has faced repeated attacks. During a recent address at the United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the violence against commercial vessels, confirming that Indian lives have been lost due to these incidents. He described the situation as unacceptable and emphasized the need for immediate restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews and ensure the continuity of global trade.
In response to the escalating threats, India has joined Liberia and 23 other nations in an international coalition aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping routes. Jaishankar stressed the importance of adhering to international law to ensure the safety of shipping and seafarers, urging a collective effort to address these maritime challenges.
