Government Confirms 20 Indian Vessels and 540 Seafarers in Persian Gulf Under Surveillance
Synopsis
As geopolitical tensions rise in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government assures the safety of 540 seafarers aboard 20 Indian-flagged vessels. With continuous monitoring and robust support, the welfare of Indian maritime personnel remains a top priority.
Key Takeaways
540 Indian seafarers are currently in the Persian Gulf.
The government is actively monitoring the situation.
No recent incidents involving Indian vessels.
Indian Navy warships are deployed for support.
Port operations in India remain unaffected.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) A total of twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers continue to operate in the western Persian Gulf region and are currently under rigorous supervision, according to government reports released on Saturday.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has implemented vital measures to protect Indian vessels and their crews in this area.
“All Indian seafarers present in the region are secure; there have been no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the last 24 hours,” the ministry confirmed. The Directorate General of Shipping is actively overseeing these vessels in collaboration with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions.
To date, DG Shipping has successfully facilitated the safe return of over 938 Indian seafarers, with 25 repatriated in the last 24 hours alone.
Furthermore, port operations throughout India remain stable, with no signs of congestion. The State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have all reported smooth operations.
“We are maintaining ongoing coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, and other maritime stakeholders to ensure the well-being of our seafarers and uninterrupted operations,” the ministry stated.
Since February 28, approximately 497,000 passengers have returned to India from the conflict-affected region.
“Indian diplomatic missions and posts are actively engaged with the Indian community, providing necessary assistance and issuing safety advisories,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The ministry continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia closely, prioritizing the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community.
Reports indicate that two additional merchant vessels carrying petroleum products destined for India were likely navigating the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting this crucial maritime route.
Indian Navy warships have been deployed near significant ports to offer support, with more vessels anticipated to arrive from the Strait in the forthcoming days.
Point of View
The safety and security of Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf is of utmost importance. The government's proactive measures and continuous monitoring reflect a commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, ensuring maritime operations remain unaffected amidst geopolitical tensions.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian seafarers are currently in the Persian Gulf?
There are currently 540 Indian seafarers aboard twenty Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf.
What measures is the government taking to ensure their safety?
The government has implemented necessary measures through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and is actively monitoring the vessels in coordination with various agencies.
Have there been any incidents involving Indian vessels recently?
No incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the last 24 hours.
What is the status of port operations in India?
Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported.
How many passengers have returned from the conflict-affected region?
Approximately 497,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region since February 28.
