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.
In a recent briefing, the Indian government reported the repatriation of 3,587 seafarers amid rising tensions in West Asia. Opesh Kumar Sharma highlighted the ministry’s commitment to maritime safety, noting close surveillance of Indian vessels. Concerns intensified after the deaths of three seafarers in an attack on the MT Settebello.
As the West Asia conflict endures, India has facilitated safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing stranded vessels from 36-38 to 13 since February 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs played a crucial role in diplomacy, ensuring efficient transit for Indian-flagged ships amidst ongoing regional tensions.
At the Capital Link conference in Athens, shipping executives stressed that any U.S.-Iran peace deal must include clear navigation regulations for the Strait of Hormuz. Industry leaders voiced concerns over ongoing tensions impacting maritime operations, emphasizing the need for safety guarantees to protect seafarers and ensure free passage for global trade.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reported that 11 Indian ships have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, while 13 remain in the Persian Gulf. He addressed concerns about Iranian vessels using alternative routes and emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of remaining ships.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed a voluntary evacuation plan for merchant ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, responding to the IMO Council’s request, aims to ensure safe navigation while respecting international law. It will utilize established traffic lanes to streamline the evacuation process for affected vessels.
During a UN General Assembly debate on April 17, 2026, India’s Ambassador Harish P expressed deep concerns about threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He condemned attacks on civilian vessels, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and adherence to maritime law to ensure safe navigation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
During an inter-ministerial press conference, Mukesh Mangal, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, assured that all seafarers in conflict-affected areas are safe. He reported no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels recently and confirmed that two LPG carriers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid rising crude oil prices.
