Indian Sailors and Ships Secure in Gulf Region, Says Union Government

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NEW DELHI: Amidst ongoing regional tensions, the Union Government has confirmed that all Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the Gulf region are currently safe. Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), reassured the public that maritime operations remain stable despite the volatile environment.

According to Mr. Sinha, 611 Indian-linked vessels are currently secure, with no adverse incidents reported. The Directorate General of Shipping is maintaining constant communication with ship owners and international Indian missions to monitor the situation in real-time.

"All Indian ships in the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain safe with no reported incidents," Mr. Sinha stated. "The Directorate General of Shipping is coordinating with ship owners, agencies, and Indian missions to ensure uninterrupted trade."

The briefing highlighted a significant push for seafarer safety, noting that 161 Indian sailors were successfully repatriated and brought home within the last 24 hours. Additionally, efforts are underway to assist 15 crew members of the oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, who are currently being housed in a hotel in Basra, Iraq.

On the domestic front, Indian ports are bracing for shifts in global logistics. Key maritime hubs such as Mundra, Visakhapatnam, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port have implemented proactive measures, including operational waivers and storage expansions.

"Deendayal Port has added about 54 acres of storage with operational waivers, and ports are offering up to 50 percent concessions to support cargo movement," Mr. Sinha added, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to "seafarer safety and uninterrupted trade."

The briefing also touched upon India’s internal energy resilience. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, confirmed that the nation maintains sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel. She noted that the government is actively encouraging commercial consumers to transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and has requested state governments to fast-track pipeline permissions within 24 hours.

On the diplomatic stage, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently engaged with European Union counterparts in Brussels to discuss the conflict’s impact on global energy security.

"The ministers underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to be drafted to bring an early end to this conflict," informed Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

As the situation evolves, the Indian government continues to prioritize the safe return of its citizens and the stability of its energy supply chains through coordinated inter-ministerial action.