The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely tracking the safety of 166 Indian seafarers aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz. This heightened vigilance comes amid increasing maritime security threats and attacks on commercial ships in the region. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reported that 125 of these seafarers are on six Indian vessels, while 41 are on foreign ships.
The MEA’s update highlights ongoing concerns over maritime safety in a critical global shipping corridor. Attacks on commercial vessels have raised alarms about the safety of crews operating in these waters. The Ministry of Shipping is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Indian ships and their crews, with diplomatic missions in the region prepared to assist as needed.
India has reiterated its stance against targeting commercial ships and civilian infrastructure during conflicts. Jaiswal emphasized that such attacks must be condemned and avoided, referencing recent incidents in the Black Sea that have heightened concerns for Indian seafarers. Following these incidents, India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador to express serious concerns over an attack that resulted in the death of an Indian crew member.
As one of the largest seafaring nations, India continues to monitor developments affecting its nationals working globally. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian maritime interests.
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