The All India Seafarers Union has expressed alarm over rising C1/D visa rejections for Indian seafarers aiming to work on cruise ships. They reported an influx of inquiries from both new and experienced seafarers facing denials, warning that even one rejection can severely impact a seafarer’s career and future opportunities.
India’s maritime regulatory authority reports the tragic loss of 15 seafarers and two missing amidst rising conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea. At the National Port Security Conference, DGMA’s Shyam Jagannathan warned of increasing maritime security threats, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and coordination for seafarer protection.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in touch with the families of two Indian nationals missing after the MV AG N Ragnar was attacked near Ukraine’s Odesa port. Four crew members were aboard, with two confirmed safe. Search operations are ongoing, coordinated by Ukrainian and Romanian authorities.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, reviewed the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict areas amid rising geopolitical tensions. He prioritized their welfare, emphasizing support from the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Missions. Enhanced training and mental health resources were discussed to ensure comprehensive care for seafarers and their families.
Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard the MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, facing life-threatening conditions due to ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urgently called for action from shipowners and government officials to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has claimed the lives of 14 Indian seafarers, with two still missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the need for safety measures and noted the advisory from the Directorate General of Shipping to avoid deploying seafarers in high-risk areas.
India contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce, but Indian seafarers face significant risks. Recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in seven out of 16 fatalities being Indian. Additionally, they represent 18% of crew abandoned by shipowners globally, raising serious concerns about their welfare and safety at sea.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, irrespective of their vessel’s flag. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this initiative, aiming to improve safety, regulatory oversight, and support for Indian maritime professionals globally, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is launching “Sagar Mein Yog” (SMY) to enhance seafarers’ well-being. This initiative includes various wellness modules, such as brahmari, or “bee breath,” promoting relaxation. Seafarers with a valid Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate must complete the course through a dedicated Learning Management System within a year.
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has assured the safety of Indian seafarers as maritime traffic resumes in the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial corridor supports global trade, especially energy and cargo shipments, and its revival alleviates concerns among shipping operators, with authorities monitoring the situation for continued safety and stability.
Indian nationals make up about 12% of the global merchant shipping workforce, facing heightened risks due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran easing some tensions, threats to commercial shipping persist, leaving seafarers and their families in a state of uncertainty regarding their safety and future.
The Centre updated on the Persian Gulf maritime situation, confirming the safe repatriation of over 3,639 Indian seafarers. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma highlighted ongoing safety measures for vessels and crews. In the past 72 hours, 47 seafarers returned home, and operations in Indian ports remain stable, with no congestion reported.
At the G7 summit in France, US President Trump praised his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting ongoing US-India trade talks. Modi raised safety concerns for Indian seafarers in the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risks, reaffirming US-India cooperation and support for Indian maritime crews.
The bodies of Indian seafarers Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya, killed in a US strike on the vessel MT Settebello off Oman, were repatriated to India. This follows the earlier rescue of 21 other crew members. The Indian Embassy expressed condolences, while details on a third victim remain undisclosed.
