Approximately 370 Indian seafarers are currently stranded aboard vessels in the sensitive Strait of Hormuz, despite the International Maritime Organization (IMO) urging their immediate evacuation following a ceasefire between the US and Iran. The Indian government has successfully facilitated the safe return of over 1,754 seafarers from the Gulf region, including 63 in the past day, thanks to collaborative efforts with ship owners and recruitment agencies.
Concerns linger, however, as 16 Indian-flagged vessels continue operating in high-risk maritime areas. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory for nationals to leave Iran promptly, indicating that around 7,500 Indians remain in the country amid ongoing tensions. So far, the embassy has helped evacuate 1,864 individuals through land borders, including students and fishermen.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of restoring safe maritime movement in the region, noting that the ceasefire offers hope for de-escalation, although risks remain. Shipping stakeholders express cautious optimism but are wary of potential operational hazards in these critical waters, which handle a significant portion of global oil shipments.
