The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed serious concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia, describing the incidents as “deeply worrisome” and urging an immediate end to hostilities that threaten maritime safety and regional stability.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the recent incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region and reiterated India’s commitment to the welfare and safety of its maritime workforce.
“There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers’ community. The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.
The remarks come amid ongoing efforts to evacuate Indian crew members from the Guinea-Bissau-flagged bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, which was reportedly involved in a maritime security incident near Shinas Port, Oman, on June 11.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessel has 20 Indian seafarers on board, all of whom have been reported safe. No casualties or injuries have been recorded.
Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry, confirmed that evacuation operations are underway.
“On 11 June, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, a bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, was reportedly involved in a maritime security incident in the vicinity of Shinas Port, Oman. The vessel has 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are reported to be safe. No casualties or injuries have been reported. As per the latest information, the evacuation of crew members to Shinas Port has commenced. Six more are to be evacuated,” Mangal said.
He added that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and remains in continuous coordination with the MEA, Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy and other stakeholders.
The incident follows the attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed on Thursday that the bodies of the remaining two missing crew members had been recovered from the vessel, bringing the death toll among Indian nationals to three.
India has strongly condemned the attack and lodged a formal protest with the United States, summoning the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to convey its concerns over the incident.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it continues to coordinate with the MEA, Indian missions overseas, the Indian Navy and other relevant agencies while closely monitoring developments involving MT Jalveer and the broader security situation in the region.
The latest incidents underscore growing concerns over maritime security in West Asia, where escalating regional tensions continue to pose risks to international shipping and the safety of seafarers.
