Indian Seafarers and Vessels in Persian Gulf Remain Secure, Reports Government
Synopsis
As of March 18, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the Middle East are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels. The situation in the Persian Gulf remains stable as monitoring continues.
Key Takeaways
All Indian seafarers in the Middle East are safe.
No incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the last 24 hours.
22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian crew members are currently active.
Flight operations are gradually improving with enhanced connectivity.
Indian ports are functioning normally with no congestion.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) All Indian seafarers currently working in the Middle East are reported to be safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels having occurred in the last 24 hours, as stated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Wednesday.
Currently, there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels with a total of 611 Indian crew members operating in the western region of the Persian Gulf. The Directorate General of Shipping is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian Missions, according to the ministry's announcement.
The LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which recently returned from the Middle East, are now unloading their cargo in line with the schedules provided by oil handling companies.
The DG Shipping control center is functioning round-the-clock, having received a total of 3,305 calls and 6,324 emails since its activation, including 125 calls and 449 emails in the last 24 hours. The successful repatriation of over 472 Indian seafarers, including 25 in the last 24 hours, from various airports and regional locations has been supported by this initiative, as noted in the statement.
India's maritime operations remain seamless, with no port congestion reported, including confirmations from State Maritime Boards such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, as indicated in the announcement.
Ports are diligently tracking vessel movements and cargo operations, boasting sufficient spare capacity, with extra storage space created, including approximately 2,260 square meters at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. At the JNPA, the situation is stable, and the number of stranded containers has decreased from about 1,000 to roughly 770.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is continuously overseeing shipping activities, port operations, the safety of seafarers, and the continuity of maritime trade as the situation in West Asia evolves, the statement added.
Meanwhile, flight services are improving gradually, with additional flights being introduced between India and the Middle East region, as reported by official sources.
In the UAE, around 70 flights were conducted on March 17, and approximately 75 flights are anticipated today to various Indian destinations. More than 50 flights have been operating daily since March 5, 2026, reflecting enhanced connectivity.
Flight services continue to run from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India, while the airspace over Qatar remains partially accessible, with five flights operating on Tuesday and services to nine Indian destinations announced from Wednesday.
However, the Kuwait airspace has been closed since February 28. Special non-scheduled flights operated by Jazeera Airways are expected to commence from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Point of View
The safety of Indian seafarers and the smooth operation of maritime trade are paramount. The government's proactive measures and continuous monitoring reflect a commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens abroad during times of uncertainty.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf safe?
Yes, all Indian seafarers in the Middle East are reported to be safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels.
How many Indian-flagged vessels are currently in the Persian Gulf?
There are 22 Indian-flagged vessels currently operating in the western Persian Gulf region.
What measures are being taken by the Indian government?
The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with ship owners and Indian Missions.
What is the status of flight operations between India and the Middle East?
Flight operations are gradually improving, with additional services being introduced to various destinations in India.
Is there any congestion reported at Indian ports?
No, the maritime sector continues to operate smoothly without any congestion reported at ports.
