Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that 4,052 stranded Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated during the ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian maritime professionals.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Wednesday, Sonowal reviewed the safety and security of Indian seafarers operating in West Asia and other conflict-affected regions.
The minister said the DGCOMM Centre (MMDAC) is functioning round-the-clock to monitor distress alerts and coordinate emergency response efforts. During the ongoing crisis, the emergency response system has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 4,052 Indian seafarers, while handling 16,448 emergency calls and 40,594 emails from seafarers and their families.
He added that the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) is providing comprehensive support, including repatriation assistance, medical care, counselling services, and continuous engagement with the families of affected seafarers.
To further strengthen welfare measures, Sonowal stated that the government is providing immediate financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to the next of kin of deceased seafarers under the SWFS Special High-Risk Area Scheme.
Describing Indian seafarers as vital contributors to global trade, Sonowal said the government remains firmly committed to safeguarding their interests.
“Indian seafarers are global key workers, and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government stands firmly with them and their families. The safety of our maritime heroes remains our paramount priority, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure their welfare,” the minister said.
The review meeting comes in the wake of the recent attack on the Indian-flagged merchant vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which was struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing the vessel to capsize and sink.
Condemning the attack, Sonowal stated that India strongly denounced the “unprovoked attack” on the vessel and confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers, were safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.
The government continues to closely monitor the evolving security situation in the region while coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers serving aboard vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones.
