The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is monitoring the safety of 166 Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz due to rising maritime security threats. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that 125 seafarers are on Indian vessels, while 41 are on foreign ships, emphasizing ongoing safety concerns.
The Iran-backed Houthis have escalated tensions by attacking a fourth Saudi-linked tanker, the NCC GHAZAL, with ballistic missiles for allegedly breaching their maritime ban. The attack, which forced the vessel to retreat, underscores a growing risk to commercial shipping in the Red Sea amid the Houthis’ maritime blockade strategy.
Oman has gained support from Gulf nations for a proposal that would allow Iran to levy voluntary fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing oil trade disruptions amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions. Despite President Trump’s hopes for diplomacy, Iran’s recent actions complicate the situation, casting uncertainty on negotiations.
On July 20, Houthi forces initiated a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait to vessels. This led the Chinese VLCC Tanker Xin Long Yang to reroute to Suez. The situation escalated with missile attacks on Saudi-flagged tankers, igniting fires and raising concerns over global oil supply disruptions.
Vanuatu is enhancing its maritime security framework with support from an International Maritime Organization (IMO) assessment mission. Conducted from July 20-24, the mission focused on implementing the ISPS Code at Port Vila and Luganville, evaluating national security arrangements and providing recommendations to strengthen maritime governance and safety measures.
On July 27, 2026, the supertanker Olympic Luck, transporting Saudi oil, opted for the Suez Canal route instead of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait due to Houthi threats. Partially loaded with crude, it heads to Asia, marking a significant shift in shipping routes amid rising regional tensions and attack threats.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador after an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near Odesa, which killed an Indian seafarer. The MEA condemned the assaults on commercial shipping and urged Ukraine to prioritize the safety of civilian seafarers, emphasizing the need for diplomatic action.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned Ukraine’s attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, asserting it “cannot go unanswered.” The incident resulted in one sailor’s death. During discussions with EU and Russian officials, Araqchi stressed the need to halt provocations from Kyiv and thanked local authorities for their support.
On Sunday, the Indian government urged citizens to assess security conditions before accepting jobs in conflict-affected maritime zones, particularly the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted risks from missile and drone strikes, following recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of five Indian nationals aboard commercial vessels.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed the Second Annual Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s, Antigua, emphasizing the need for a secure maritime industry. He reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to global safety and highlighted the importance of collaboration in preventing illicit vessel registration and enhancing maritime security.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is crucial for global trade, facilitating the transport of oil, gas, and essential goods. Its strategic location is threatened by regional conflicts, potentially disrupting shipping routes. Such disruptions could force vessels to navigate longer paths, significantly increasing costs and impacting supply chains worldwide. Security remains paramount.
The Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association of Nigeria (TUBAVS) has called for enhanced measures against sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering. Emphasizing immediate censorship and regulation of marine vessels, TUBAVS aims to protect national security and the marine environment, urging compliance under the Suppression of Piracy Act.
Nigeria and Ghana have signed a landmark maritime cooperation agreement to enhance regional integration and leverage the Blue Economy. This MoU focuses on improving maritime security, combating Gulf of Guinea piracy, and mutual recognition of seafarers’ Certificates of Competency. Both nations aim to strengthen maritime governance and share knowledge effectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-day trip to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand aims to bolster India’s Act East Policy. Emphasizing the “MAHASAGAR” vision, he seeks to enhance diplomatic ties and collaboration across strategic, economic, and people-centric sectors, reaffirming India’s commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is advancing its Red Sea Project to bolster maritime security in the Horn of Africa and off Yemen’s coast. A recent workshop in Aden aimed to establish a National Maritime Information Sharing Center and emphasized the importance of the Djibouti Code of Conduct for Yemen’s protocols.
