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.
