NEW DELHI: The Government of India has placed all concerned maritime agencies on the highest level of alert to safeguard Indian seafarers and ensure protection of the country’s maritime interests amid the rapidly evolving security situation in the Gulf region.
With growing security concerns in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters, authorities have intensified surveillance and strengthened coordination mechanisms to respond swiftly to any threat involving Indian sailors or commercial shipping. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), is closely monitoring developments in the region and maintaining constant communication with key stakeholders.
Recent security incidents involving merchant vessels operating in these strategically important waters have underscored the increasing risks faced by global commercial shipping. Recognising the crucial role of these maritime corridors in international trade and global energy supplies, the Government has instructed all relevant agencies to remain on heightened alert and maintain operational readiness to tackle any emergency affecting Indian seafarers or Indian maritime interests.
Officials are working in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian missions abroad, maritime administrations of friendly nations, shipping companies and seafarers’ welfare organisations to ensure timely support and assistance whenever required.
The Directorate General of Shipping has issued advisories to Indian seafarers serving on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels passing through conflict-prone waters. Seafarers have been urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Shipping companies, vessel operators and ship managers have also been directed to strictly follow maritime security protocols, maintain enhanced situational awareness and regularly monitor advisories issued by Indian authorities and international maritime bodies.
The government has further instructed stakeholders to immediately report any incident involving Indian crew members to the Directorate General of Shipping to facilitate rapid intervention and coordinated response efforts. Dedicated communication channels and emergency response systems are functioning round the clock to provide assistance to Indian seafarers and their families.
Against this backdrop, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Indian maritime workers.
“The Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf region and remains fully committed to the safety, security and welfare of every Indian seafarer. All relevant ministries, agencies and missions abroad are working in close coordination to ensure timely support and assistance whenever required,” Sonowal said.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of a tragic incident involving the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello. The vessel, carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indians, reportedly came under a missile attack on June 10 while operating approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.
According to information received from maritime authorities and the vessel’s management, three Indian seafarers lost their lives in the attack. The Government of India immediately coordinated with concerned authorities, the ship’s owners and recruitment agencies to assist the affected crew.
Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of the three missing Indian sailors have been located and identified, while all remaining crew members were rescued safely. Efforts are currently underway to expedite the repatriation of the survivors and ensure the dignified return of the mortal remains to their families in India.
Expressing grief over the incident, Sonowal described the deaths as a significant loss to India’s maritime community. He said the government would take every necessary step to protect Indian citizens, secure maritime interests and ensure uninterrupted movement of legitimate cargo through international shipping routes.
The government has also assured support to the families of the deceased through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), which operates under the Directorate General of Shipping. As part of the assistance package, financial aid of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to each affected family.
Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping and concerned recruitment agencies remain in constant touch with the families of the affected seafarers, coordinating repatriation efforts and extending all possible assistance.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Government of India said it stands firmly with Indian seafarers and their families and will continue to take every necessary measure to ensure their safety, welfare and well-being amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the region.
