Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 4: As military tensions escalate in West Asia, 37 Indian-flagged ships carrying more than 1,000 seafarers remain stranded across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters following the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
The disruption of the narrow but vital maritime corridor comes amid ongoing military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, severely affecting one of the world’s busiest oil transit passages.
Quoting officials, reported that a total of 37 Indian-flagged vessels with 1,109 sailors are currently stuck in the affected region.
“A total of 37 Indian-flagged ships with 1,109 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas due to the closure of the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz,” an official aware of the development said.
The conflict has already claimed Indian lives. At least three Indian seafarers aboard foreign-flagged vessels were killed and one sustained injuries in West Asia amid the ongoing hostilities.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is maintaining constant communication with shipping companies and closely monitoring developments in the region.
In response to the crisis, the Shipping Ministry has constituted a dedicated quick response team to coordinate among various authorities and extend assistance to affected seafarers and their families. Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been advised to exercise caution in deploying crew and to maintain regular communication with sailors and their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated.
The DGS has issued an advisory to maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks in view of the disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. Authorities are closely tracking maritime security threats in the region, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other evolving risks.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess the security situation in the Persian Gulf and evaluate its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and Indian missions abroad.
The disruption comes amid continued American and Israeli airstrikes across Iran following the killing of Ali Khamenei. Iran and its allies have reportedly retaliated against Israel, Gulf states and energy-linked targets, raising concerns of prolonged instability in a region critical to global oil and gas supplies.