The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on May 21 confirmed that all Indian seafarers in West Asia remain safe amid escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Additional Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, Mukesh Mangal, stated that no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels or foreign-flagged ships carrying Indian crew members have been reported in the past 72 hours. The ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,300 Indian seafarers, including 99 personnel evacuated during the last 72 hours.
Mangal said the government has been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding maritime operations in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are in touch with MEA, we are coordinating with them. Whenever the situation becomes conducive to sending the vessel there, then we will,” he said.
According to the ministry, there are currently 13 Indian-flagged vessels and one Indian-owned vessel operating in the region. Authorities are ensuring uninterrupted supplies of food and essential rations through the nearest available ports in compliance with international maritime regulations.
The ministry also reported receiving 404 calls and 903 emails over the past 72 hours from stakeholders seeking assistance and information.
Despite heightened geopolitical tensions and disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Indian port operations continue to function normally with no congestion reported across major ports.
Mangal further noted that shipping freight rates, which had surged following the escalation in West Asia, have started easing. Freight charges for a 20-foot container have declined from around USD 2,400 on April 15 to nearly USD 2,000 currently.
The conflict, which began on February 28, triggered significant maritime security concerns in the Gulf region, affecting global shipping routes and trade flows. Ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran are reportedly focused on reopening and stabilizing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and cargo transit corridors.
