The Union government plans to enhance security at India’s sea ports by placing them under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This initiative aims to create an airport-style security framework across maritime gateways. The CISF will oversee security, conducting assessments and developing plans for key EXIM ports, bolstering defenses against threats.
At the 11th Raisina Dialogue, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, outlining its “red lines” on sovereignty and technology governance. He described India’s foreign policy as rooted in Saṁskāra, focusing on assertion, accommodation, and advancement to refine the global order while safeguarding national interests and fostering international collaboration.
The Government of India has assured the safety of all Indian-flagged vessels in West Asian waters amid rising tensions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with maritime agencies. Officials report no incidents affecting Indian vessels, urging shipping companies to follow updated safety guidelines to ensure crew and cargo security.
India is closely monitoring rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly regarding Iran. Government agencies are tracking the movement of Indian vessels and the safety of around 23,000 seafarers. With 36 Indian-flagged ships operating in the region, enhanced monitoring efforts have been initiated to ensure real-time updates on crew safety.
The Indian government is closely monitoring the escalating Middle East situation, as stated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He assured that measures are in place to protect seafarers amid rising tensions, particularly after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. The government remains in constant communication with relevant agencies to ensure safety.
The new tugs will feature advanced propulsion systems, including low-sulphur diesel engines and controllable-pitch propellers, enhancing operational efficiency. Designed under the “Make in India” initiative, they comply with Indian and international shipping regulations. These vessels represent a commitment to eco-friendly technology and local manufacturing in maritime solutions.
India is strengthening safety protocols for its seafarers and merchant vessels in the Gulf due to escalating regional tensions. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working closely with shipping companies to monitor critical areas like the Persian Gulf, mandating risk assessments and enhancing onboard security measures for vessels.
On March 1, 2026, India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways warned seafarers to stay vigilant amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Shipping urged compliance with advisories and advised against deploying Indian personnel to Iran, emphasizing caution while navigating Iranian waters and nearby regions.
India must shift from foreign shipping reliance to develop its own maritime ecosystem, emphasizes Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He highlights the importance of self-sufficiency, green shipping fuels, and enhanced shipbuilding. Initiatives like the Sagarmala projects aim to improve port infrastructure, fostering coastal community development and positioning India competitively in global shipping.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has issued a warning to seafarers and shipping stakeholders against traveling to Iran due to rising security concerns. Following prior advisories, Indian nationals in Iran are urged to leave immediately and maintain contact with the Embassy for assistance. RPSL companies are advised to halt deployments to the region.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has extended the accreditation for four Russian insurance companies—Soglasie, Yugoria, Sberbank Insurance, and ASTK Insurance—until March 20, 2026. This extension ensures vessels entering Indian ports maintain necessary liability insurance, covering third-party claims and pollution risks amidst the withdrawal of Western insurers.
India’s maritime sector is transforming, highlighted by a contract between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited for six LNG-fuelled feeder vessels. This initiative, supported by key government figures, underscores the growing collaboration between global shipping companies and Indian shipyards, aligning with the country’s strategic maritime development policies.
During the February 13 meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN and India emphasized maritime cooperation as a priority, focusing on sea safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, co-led discussions on the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
This month, India detained three oil tankers suspected of indirect ties to Iran, prompting increased maritime surveillance. The Iranian National Oil Company denied connections to the vessels. The situation highlights the complexities of enforcing sanctions and the need for stringent monitoring to prevent illicit activities in regional waters.
The 2026 Union Budget aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, enhancing India’s inland waterways for sustainability and reduced logistics costs. The operationalization of 20 new National Waterways, especially NW-5 in Odisha, aims to connect resource-rich areas to ports, promoting maritime freight from 6% to 12% by 2047.
