India has condemned the attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT El Gaia off Oman, which left one Indian seafarer missing. The MEA decried threats to civilians and called for urgent restoration of maritime safety. Thirteen crew were rescued, while search continues amid rising regional attacks on Indian seafarers.
At least 173 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating attacks on commercial shipping. Recent incidents involving three vessels have raised safety concerns for Indian crews. India is actively monitoring the situation and advocating for seafarer safety while emphasizing the need to keep maritime routes open for global trade.
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.
Since January, at least 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have died in the ongoing West Asia conflict, with 75 others injured. The fatalities occurred in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE. The Ministry of External Affairs is providing support, including medical assistance and repatriation efforts.
On May 21, the Ministry of Ports confirmed that Indian seafarers in West Asia are safe despite regional tensions. Mukesh Mangal assured no incidents involving Indian vessels occurred recently. The government is monitoring the situation closely, with over 3,300 seafarers repatriated and plans to send ships if conditions permit.
