The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the safety of Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged ships in the Gulf region is the highest priority of the government. Indian missions are working continuously in coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies. A 24-hour helpline is also operational to provide immediate assistance to seafarers and other Indians in need.
Constant contact with the Ministry of Shipping and maritime authorities
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly media briefing on Friday that the government attaches the highest priority to the safety of ships and Indian seafarers. Indian missions in the Gulf region are in constant touch with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities of the concerned countries and other authorities.
Immediate assistance when needed
Randhir Jaiswal said that the purpose of this coordination is to ensure that Indian seafarers or Indian-flagged ships receive immediate assistance if they require any assistance. Indian missions are in constant coordination with local authorities in this regard.
Helpline available for other Indians as well
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated that Indian missions have also established 24-hour helplines. This facility is not limited to seafarers; other Indian citizens can also contact these helplines if needed. He added that these services have been operating continuously for the past several months and will continue to do so.
Emphasis on safe maritime traffic and trade
Randhir Jaiswal said that India has been consistently advocating for safe and unhindered movement and smooth conduct of trade in international waterways in coordination with the Ministry of Shipping and local authorities in West Asia and the Gulf region.
Appeal not to target civilians and commercial ships
The Ministry of External Affairs has urged all parties to refrain from targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Jaiswal particularly stressed the need to ensure the safety of commercial vessels and the seafarers working on them.
4,052 sailors brought back from Gulf region – Sonowal
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal told Parliament on Friday that 4,052 seafarers have been brought back to India from the Gulf region. He added that as of August 3, 62 ships bound for India had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
23 Indian and 39 foreign flagged ships
According to Sonowal, the 62 vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz include 23 Indian-flagged vessels and 39 foreign-flagged vessels. The government is continuously monitoring the movement of ships and sailors amid the changing maritime security situation.
DGMA is continuously updating the advisory
The Union Minister said that in view of the changing maritime security situation, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) continuously updates its advisories to enhance the safety of Indian seafarers amid the Middle East conflict.
24×7 control room for the Strait of Hormuz
The government has taken several additional steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, including the establishment of a dedicated 24×7 control room and the maintenance of a live database of ships and crew.
Status updates are issued every 24 hours
The Government is monitoring the movement of ships, Indian seafarers, incidents and casualties. Status updates are being issued every 24 hours to ensure continuous monitoring of maritime security developments and necessary action.