As military tensions escalate in West Asia, 37 Indian-flagged ships carrying more than 1,000 seafarers are stranded across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters after the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route was shut.
The closure of the narrow but vital maritime corridor follows ongoing military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, severely disrupting one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.
Quoting officials, PTI reported that a total of 37 Indian-flagged vessels with 1,109 sailors remain stuck in the affected region.
“A total of 37 Indian-flagged ships with 1,109 sailors are stuck in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the adjoining sea areas due to the closure of the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz,” an official privy to the development told PTI.
The conflict has already claimed Indian lives. At least three Indian seafarers aboard foreign-flagged vessels were killed, and one was injured in West Asia amid the ongoing hostilities.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is maintaining constant communication with shipping companies and monitoring developments closely.
In response to the crisis, the Shipping Ministry has set up a dedicated quick response team to ensure coordination among authorities and provide assistance to affected seafarers and their families.
Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been advised to exercise caution in deploying crew and to maintain regular communication with sailors and their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated and shared.
The Directorate General of Shipping also issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks following the disruptions of the shipping route and closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
Authorities are closely tracking maritime security threats in the region, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other evolving risks.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting on Tuesday to assess the security situation in the Persian Gulf and evaluate its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.
The disruption comes as American and Israeli airstrikes continue across Iran following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran and its allies have retaliated against Israel, Gulf states and energy-linked targets, raising fears of prolonged instability in a region critical to global oil and gas supplies.
– Ends
With inputs from PTI
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Mar 4, 2026 01:33 IST
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