Hormuz crisis: India launches 'Seafarer-First' mission; here's how it will work

New Delhi: India has launched a comprehensive 'Seafarer-First' initiative to safeguard Indian sailors working aboard merchant vessels in conflict-hit waters of West Asia after fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz claimed the life of an Indian seafarer and injured several others.

The new policy marks one of the country's most extensive maritime safety responses, with the government pledging to account for every Indian seafarer regardless of the flag under which their vessel operates.

Government launches nationwide maritime safety initiative

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the initiative following an emergency review of the security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. He directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a comprehensive, vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard that will track every Indian working aboard ships operating in the region.

The real-time monitoring system will provide information on vessel locations, ownership, cargo details, crew strength, crew welfare, threat levels, intended voyages, next ports of call and the availability of emergency assistance. According to the government, the dashboard is designed to help authorities respond quickly during emergencies and improve coordination among different agencies.

Move follows deadly attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

The announcement comes after two Emirati oil tankers, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, came under missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The two vessels together carried 30 Indian seafarers among a total crew of 46.

During the attacks, Indian seafarer Rohan Kumar lost his life aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while another Indian crew member on the same vessel sustained injuries. Nine Indian nationals aboard MT Mombasa were also injured, including two who remain in serious condition. The incidents have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.

Dedicated support for affected families

As part of the government's response, every affected Indian seafarer or their family will be assigned a dedicated liaison officer. The officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel arrangements, repatriation, financial assistance through the Seafarers Welfare Fund, insurance claims, outstanding wages and other contractual benefits.

The Centre said the objective is to ensure that families receive timely information and uninterrupted support throughout the crisis.

Ministries and Indian Navy to work round the clock

The emergency review meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman.

Sonowal instructed all agencies to maintain round-the-clock coordination and real-time monitoring of Indian vessels and crew members operating in the affected region. Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates have also been asked to provide continuous updates on maritime safety, shipping advisories, evacuation options, port facilities and ongoing investigations.

India condemns attacks on civilian merchant vessels

Expressing grief over the death of Rohan Kumar, Sonowal strongly condemned the attacks on civilian merchant ships. He said Indian seafarers play a vital role in maintaining global supply chains and should never become victims of armed conflict.

The minister assured that the Government of India would provide every possible assistance to the families of those killed or injured and would continue raising the issue through international maritime organisations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while engaging with the concerned countries.

Fresh safety measures for ships

The government has instructed every vessel travelling through the conflict zone to carry out a fresh threat assessment before beginning its voyage. Ships will proceed only after the master's professional judgement and consultation with the relevant maritime authorities.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers have also been directed to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian crew member is being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and support.

To strengthen emergency assistance, the Centre has activated a 24-hour grievance support system through telephone helplines, WhatsApp and email for Indian seafarers and their families.

Why the initiative matters

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world's most strategically important shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil and commercial trade. As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, thousands of Indian seafarers working on international merchant vessels face growing security risks.

With the launch of the 'Seafarer-First' initiative, the Indian government aims to ensure continuous monitoring of Indian crew members, improve emergency response capabilities, strengthen coordination across ministries and provide comprehensive support to seafarers and their families during the ongoing maritime crisis.