Tehran. Amidst the increasing military tension in the Strait of Hormuz, concerns have increased regarding the safety of sailors of the Indian Merchant Navy. After the attacks by America and Israel, the military action taken by Iran in this strategic sea route has increased the danger to commercial ships. Meanwhile, a video of an incident that took place in April has surfaced, in which a container ship with 21 Indian sailors can be seen surrounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats. The Strait of Hormuz is a very important sea route for global energy supply. About one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG trade passes through this route. In such a situation, the increasing tension here has become a matter of concern for Indian sailors as well as global energy supply.
Iranian boats were seen surrounding the ship, sailors saved their lives by hiding
In an April video released by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, a Panama-flagged container ship can be seen surrounded by boats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. video footage (Video Footage) saw rocket-propelled grenades being fired and Indian sailors on board the ship hiding inside for their safety. According to India’s Shipping Ministry, all 21 Indian crew members on board the ship survived the incident safely.
15 sailors killed so far due to attacks in Hormuz
At least 15 sailors have been killed in incidents targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas since the war began on February 28, according to a UN report released in June. Indian sailors are also said to be included in these. The continuous attacks have put the safety of the employees involved in maritime trade under serious questioning. Indian seafarers constitute about 12.2 percent of the global maritime workforce, so this crisis is having a direct impact on India.
Government issued advisory regarding Indian sailors
In view of the increasing danger in the region, the Government of India has taken precautionary measures. The Directorate General of Shipping has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment companies not to deploy Indian sailors on ships that have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. DG Shipping has said that the security situation in the Persian Gulf and surrounding maritime areas is serious and has given priority to the safety of sailors. Captains of ships have also been instructed to exercise utmost vigilance in the area and continuously monitor the navigational warnings issued.
Protest expressed from Iran after the death of an Indian
Following the death of an Indian citizen in an incident in the region, the Indian government had summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador and lodged a strong protest. After this, monitoring and precautionary measures regarding the safety of Indian sailors have been made more stringent. Amidst the ongoing tension in Hormuz, the biggest challenge before India is to ensure the safe movement of its citizens as well as minimize the possible impact on maritime trade and energy supplies.