20 Indian Vessels With 540 Sailors In Persian Gulf Region: India

NEW DELHI- Twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region in the midst of war and are being actively monitored, the government said on March 28.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region.

“All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. They are being actively monitored by the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.

Moreover, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

“Coordination continues with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations,” said the ministry.

Since February 28, around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region.

“Indian Missions and Posts remain in touch with the Indian community and continue to extend assistance, along with issuing necessary advisories for their safety and well-being,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and the Middle East, and the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community remain the highest priority.

Indian Navy warships have been deployed near key ports to provide assistance, with more vessels expected to arrive from the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. (IANS)