India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has confirmed that maritime operations are running smoothly amidst the West Asia conflict. As the situation shows potential signs of de-escalation following a US-Iran ceasefire, all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported safe. Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal reassured that maritime trade is uninterrupted and that Indian vessels are under close monitoring.
Currently, 16 Indian-flagged vessels operate in the Western Persian Gulf, housing 433 Indian seafarers. The fleet includes various cargo types, and the government has safely repatriated over 1,599 seafarers since the conflict’s onset on February 28. Notably, two LPG carriers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for India’s energy security, transporting significant LPG volumes back to India.
Smooth transit through this shipping lane is vital for India, which depends on West Asia for around 60% of its LPG needs. Any long-term disruptions would severely impact households and industries in India. Mangal emphasized coordinated efforts among governmental agencies to ensure seamless operations, with Indian ports functioning without congestion even during the crisis. The situation remains delicate, and ongoing vigilance is necessary as the region stabilizes.
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