India Tracks 163 Indians Aboard 12 Persian Gulf Ships

NEW DELHI-There are currently 163 Indian seafarers on board 12 commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on September 30.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said six of the vessels are India-flagged commercial ships, while six foreign-flagged vessels are carrying cargo to India.

“Apart from this, we also have over 4,500 Indian seafarers who are on board various commercial vessels which are plying in the area. The Ministry of Shipping continues to monitor the movement of these ships and is looking at the well-being of all these seafarers and, as and when required, through our embassies and other stakeholders, they do the needful for their well-being and welfare. On our side, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our seafaring community abroad,” he added.

India has repeatedly condemned attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, while calling for dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region.

India and Liberia have also joined hands to establish the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. (IANS)