The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an advanced Ship Repair Facility in Vadinar, Gujarat, with a ₹1,570 crore investment. This initiative aims to enhance India’s ship repair capabilities, create around 290 direct jobs, and support regional economic growth, aligning with Maritime India Vision 2030.
The Indian government has successfully repatriated over 2,922 seafarers from the Gulf, with 30 returning in the last 24 hours. Collaborating with various ministries, the government is ensuring their welfare amid a closely monitored situation in West Asia. Port operations remain stable, and flight services are gradually improving.
India has repatriated 29 seafarers from the Gulf, raising the total to 2,829. Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Mukesh Mangal reassured that all Indian vessels remain safe, with no incidents reported recently. The government also dismissed viral claims of fuel price hikes as false, urging the public to verify information.
India’s inland waterways sector has reached a historic milestone, transporting 145.84 million metric tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25, positioning it among Asia’s most commercially active systems. Passenger traffic surged to 76 million journeys, driven by new services and urban demand. Ongoing investments and infrastructure improvements promise continued growth.
India has successfully repatriated over 2,764 seafarers from the Gulf, with around 1.3 million passengers returning from West Asia since February 28. The government assures the safety of all Indian seafarers, reporting no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring the situation for Indian nationals.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata has achieved a landmark milestone with India’s first midstream container handling operation at Diamond Harbour. This innovative process enables the efficient transfer of export cargo from the Bengal-Bihar-Jharkhand region to global markets, improving logistics and enhancing the port’s competitiveness for large container vessels.
The inauguration of the new OTM Administrative Complex at Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13 in Puducherry marks a major leap in India’s maritime security. Unveiled by DG Paramesh Sivamani, the facility enhances operational efficiency, featuring an advanced Operations Centre and Maritime Rescue Sub Centre for improved command and coordination in maritime challenges.
India is contemplating a temporary transfer of its stake in Chabahar Port to an Iranian entity due to the upcoming expiration of a US sanctions waiver on April 26, 2026. The plan aims to safeguard India’s strategic interests while maintaining access to the port, crucial for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The Indian government plans to launch dedicated vessel services on West Asia trade routes to address soaring logistics costs, which have surged by 60-80% since February’s Hormuz crisis. This initiative aims to enhance direct shipping between India and Gulf Cooperation Council markets, improving delivery reliability and reducing dependence on transshipment hubs.
India’s shipping ministry is concerned for Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz after reports of vessels being attacked. Fortunately, no Indian nationals have been injured. Mukesh Mangal confirmed that 22 Indian sailors were on board two targeted foreign-flagged ships, and 2,680 Indian seafarers have since been evacuated.
India has successfully repatriated over 2,563 seafarers from the Gulf amid rising tensions linked to the US-Iran situation. Mandeep Singh Randhawa highlighted the government’s commitment to seafarer safety during an inter-ministerial briefing. The Directorate General of Shipping has managed thousands of inquiries, ensuring smooth operations despite regional unrest.
India is establishing an insurance safety net to protect its trade amidst rising geopolitical uncertainties impacting maritime routes. With global insurers tightening coverage and elevating premiums, this initiative aims to secure shipping interests and ensure uninterrupted imports and exports, particularly in high-risk areas like the Gulf region and the Red Sea.
India’s proposal at the 113th Session of the IMO’s Legal Committee has gained acceptance, addressing the critical issue of seafarer abandonment. The initiative calls for improved measures aligned with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), including a Model Standard Operating Procedure and a secure web-based system for enhanced coordination and reporting.
On April 18, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed “deep concern” to Iran’s Ambassador over the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps firing on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, the Sanmar Herald, a supertanker, had received clearance before the attack, raising alarms about regional stability and commercial navigation.
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ (BMI pool) with a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee. This initiative aims to provide affordable maritime insurance for Indian vessels, reducing reliance on foreign insurers and addressing risks from global volatility. It will cover various maritime risks, enhancing self-reliance.
