As tensions escalate in West Asia, 38 Indian-flagged ships carrying nearly 1,100 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns over maritime safety and disruptions to global trade.
Officials said the vessels, mostly crude oil and LNG carriers, are operating in the sensitive waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for energy supplies.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting earlier this week to assess the evolving situation and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. During the meeting, the minister directed officials, including the Directorate General of Shipping, to take all necessary measures to safeguard Indian maritime personnel and vessels.
According to officials, 24 Indian-flagged ships are currently positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz, while 14 vessels are located east of the strait.
Authorities said there have been no confirmed incidents of detention, boarding, or direct attacks involving Indian-flagged ships so far. However, the ongoing conflict has already resulted in casualties among Indian seafarers serving on foreign-flagged vessels. Three Indian sailors were killed and one injured in attacks on ships near the Port of Oman, officials said.
The Directorate General of Shipping reported four incidents involving Indian seafarers, all on vessels sailing under foreign flags.
Officials also highlighted the scale of India’s maritime workforce abroad, noting that around 23,000 Indian seafarers are employed on vessels operating in the conflict-affected region at any given time. India is currently the third-largest supplier of seafarers globally, after the Philippines and China.
Shipping Routes Disrupted
The escalating conflict has also severely disrupted global shipping routes.
Reports indicate that at least five tankers have been damaged, while nearly 150 ships remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to the security risks.
Several international container shipping lines have suspended services to West Asia, citing safety concerns for vessels and crew.
As a result, many ships that typically transit through the Suez Canal are being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing voyage time and operational costs.
Cargo Congestion at Indian Ports
The disruption has also led to cargo congestion at Indian ports, with around 1,000 containers currently awaiting shipment.
Sunil Vaswani, Executive Director of the Container Shipping Lines Association (India), said shipping lines have prioritised safety while continuing services to long-haul destinations such as the United States, Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Exporters are already feeling the impact of the disruption. Supplier Sanjay Pansare said about 150 containers of fruits and vegetables, including bananas, pomegranates, watermelons and onions, are currently stranded.
Shipping officials added that some Gulf-bound vessels are being temporarily terminated at regional ports such as the Port of Fujairah, Port of Sohar and Port of Khor Fakkan, from where cargo is transported onward through land routes.
With tensions continuing to mount in the region, authorities remain on high alert as the situation threatens maritime safety, energy supply chains, and global trade flows.
