Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 29 July directed officials to maintain constant, integrated coordination across all agencies to safeguard Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels in conflict-sensitive regions. The Centre underscored that the safety and welfare of every Indian mariner must remain the foremost priority amid rising geopolitical tensions at sea.

Key Directives from the Review

Sonowal undertook a comprehensive review of the current safety framework for Indian seafarers and reaffirmed the government's commitment to their protection. He directed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian Missions abroad, shipping companies, maritime authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure India's response mechanism remains proactive and capable of acting swiftly.

'No Indian seafarer should find himself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict. Every possible measure must be taken to safeguard our seafarers, support their families and ensure timely assistance wherever required,' Sonowal said.

Grievance Cell and Round-the-Clock Support

The Directorate General of Shipping informed the minister that its Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell is fully operational, offering round-the-clock support to Indian seafarers and their families through dedicated helplines, information services, and grievance redressal mechanisms. This institutional infrastructure is central to the government's real-time response capability.

Pre-Departure Orientation and Awareness Drives

Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) are being engaged to conduct structured pre-departure orientation programmes. These sessions are designed to help seafarers better understand operational conditions, security protocols, and evolving geopolitical risks in regions where they may be deployed, according to an official statement.

Mental Health and Transparent Communication

Sonowal also directed that mental health support be formally integrated into India's seafarer welfare framework. He called for structured counselling services for both seafarers and their families, and stressed that transparent communication on operational risks must become a mandatory part of pre-deployment preparation.

'Our responsibility extends beyond ensuring physical safety. Seafarers and their families deserve timely information, emotional support and complete transparency regarding the challenges they may face while serving at sea,' Sonowal said.

This review comes as several conflict zones — including the Red Sea and parts of the Gulf of Aden — have seen heightened risk for commercial shipping, with Indian crew members aboard vessels that have faced threats or attacks in recent months. The government's stepped-up posture signals a shift toward more proactive, institutionalised protection rather than reactive crisis management.