MEA says 166 Indian seafarers near Strait of Hormuz under close watch amid shipping tensions
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said the government is closely monitoring the safety of 166 Indian seafarers working aboard ships in the Persian Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz, as security concerns continue to grow following attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
Providing an official update, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have six Indian vessels which are west of the Strait of Hormuz. 125 seafarers are on board these Indian ships. In addition, there are 41 Indian seafarers who are on board foreign ships which are in that area”
The update comes amid heightened concerns over maritime security in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors, where attacks on commercial vessels have disrupted international shipping and raised fears for crews working in the area.
Jaiswal said the Ministry of Shipping is maintaining close coordination with relevant authorities to monitor both Indian ships and Indian crew members.
He added that Indian diplomatic missions in the region are in regular contact with the ministry and stand ready to provide any assistance required to Indian seafarers.
India reiterates stand against attacks on commercial shipping
The MEA also reaffirmed India's position that commercial ships, civilian seafarers and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted during conflicts.
Jaiswal said, “We have been very clear in articulating to both our partners and friends and to others also that under no circumstances can commercial shipping or the seafarers or civilians or civilian infrastructure be attacked and it must be avoided, and we have condemned those attacks which have happened recently in the Black Sea region.”
Black Sea attacks raise fresh concerns
The government's update follows recent incidents involving commercial vessels linked to Indian crew members in the Black Sea.
On Monday, India summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, and expressed its "serious concern" over the attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI, which led to the death of an Indian seafarer.
Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine said another merchant vessel, MV Ragnar, carrying four Indian nationals, was struck while docked at the port of Odesa. Two Indian crew members were reported safe, while information about the remaining two was being awaited.
India among the world's largest seafaring nations
Responding to questions about Indian seafarers operating in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal said India has the world's second-largest seafaring community, with Indian nationals serving on both Indian and foreign commercial vessels across global shipping routes.
While he did not provide an exact figure for Indians currently working in or around the Black Sea, he said the government continues to monitor developments affecting Indian crew members overseas.
With ANI inputs