The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Wednesday announced that the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has constituted a dedicated 24×7 Quick Response Team in view of the evolving security situation in West Asia.
According to an official release, the initiative is aimed at ensuring timely assistance, coordination and welfare support for Indian seafarers operating in the region, particularly in and around the Persian Gulf.
The Quick Response Team, set up under DG Shipping, will facilitate effective communication and crisis response by working closely with shipping companies, Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) entities, Indian missions abroad and the families of seafarers.
“In view of the evolving security situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Directorate General of Shipping has constituted a dedicated 24×7 Quick Response Team to ensure timely assistance, coordination and welfare support for Indian seafarers. The team will facilitate effective communication and crisis response by working closely with shipping companies, RPSL entities, Indian missions abroad and the families of seafarers,” the release stated.
Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Safety
The Ministry said it is actively engaged in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers during the current period of heightened tensions. It is maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to provide necessary support, assistance and evacuation facilitation, if required.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Ministry emphasised that India remains firmly dedicated to the safety, welfare and well-being of its seafarers and continues to closely monitor the security developments in the region.
“The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively engaged in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers during this period, maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to provide necessary support, assistance and evacuation facilitation if required. India remains firmly committed to the safety, welfare and well-being of its seafarers,” the release added.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with other key figures.
In a related development, a fire that broke out near the premises of the US Consulate General in Dubai late Tuesday night, following a suspected drone strike, was fully extinguished. Authorities confirmed that emergency teams responded immediately and no injuries were reported.
The conflict has now entered its fourth day, with Tehran launching counter-strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli assets across the region, further heightening concerns over maritime and regional security.
