Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 23: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said 10 Indian ships have safely exited the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz in the past week, while 14 vessels remain in the Persian Gulf amid heightened regional tensions.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was in continuous contact with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of the remaining ships and crew.
“We have 10 Indian ships which have exited the Strait of Hormuz safely in the last few weeks. We have 14 Indian ships which are still in the Persian Gulf,” Jaiswal said.
Providing an update on a recent maritime security incident, he said two foreign ships came under fire a day earlier and that Indian crew members aboard those vessels were safe.
“Regarding the matter of yesterday, two foreign ships were fired upon. Some of our Indian crew members, sailors, were on them. They are safe,” he said.
Jaiswal clarified that the vessels involved were foreign-flagged and not Indian ships, and therefore detailed information about the incident was limited.
He, however, stressed that the safety of Indian nationals remained a priority and said New Delhi was engaging with Iran regarding the movement of vessels still in the region.
“Our continuous conversation with the government of Iran is going on so that the remaining ships there can safely come to India,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital maritime routes, handling a major share of global oil trade, and tensions in the region often raise concerns over commercial shipping and energy security.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also said all Indian seafarers operating in the region were safe following the recent firing incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels.
Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said while no Indian-flagged ships were affected, concerns remained over the safety of Indian crew serving aboard foreign vessels in the area.