Indian Sailors Fear Return to Gulf After Middle East War

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New Delhi: Hundreds of Indian sailors who have returned home following the recent Middle East conflict say they are afraid to return to the Gulf, citing the psychological impact of seeing missile strikes, attacks on commercial vessels, and the deaths of fellow crew members at sea.

The conflict, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, hampered global shipping, leaving many sailors stuck on ships for weeks or months. Several Indian crew members described feeling constantly threatened as commercial ships passed through one of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime lanes.

Although a ceasefire has eased immediate tensions, many seamen say they are still afraid to resume work in the region. Some said the case was extremely traumatising and that they are now haunted by the fear of another escalation.

Despite these worries, many people are left with minimal options due to financial realities. For Indian merchant seamen, the Gulf continues to be a significant source of work, and many families depend on the money they make abroad. As a result, despite persistent concerns about their safety, a number of sailors feel they could eventually have to return.

During the crisis, India, considered one of the biggest providers of merchant mariners worldwide, helped thousands of its citizens return. However, sailors and the international maritime sector continue to have serious concerns about the security of commercial shipping routes in the Gulf.