In view of the tension between the US and Iran, the issue related to the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. The worry of India is about the safety of Indian sailors numbering in thousands who are on board scores of ships around the Persian Gulf area.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, there are six Indian cargo ships in the Persian Gulf. All of them are stationed west of the Strait of Hormuz. The number of Indian sailors in the Gulf area comes to 4,500.
There are six foreign ships that carry cargo meant for India in the same region. They have 163 Indian sailors on board. The Ministry of Shipping is keeping track of the movements of these ships.
Strait of Hormuz is a very sensitive area for any shipping in the world. It carries a considerable share of crude oil in the world. The significance of the Strait of Hormuz for India is manifold as much cargo including crude oil, LPG, LNG and fertilizers pass through it.
Due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, there have been reports of attacks on commercial ships and disruptions to navigation for the past several months. Therefore, the safety of Indian ships and sailors remains a priority for the government.
Since the crisis began in the region in March 2026, 11 Indians have died in attacks on various ships. Consequently, the Indian government has consistently raised the demand for freedom of navigation on international platforms.
The government states that Indian missions and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways are regularly monitoring the situation of ships and sailors deployed in the region. They are prepared to provide assistance if needed.
Earlier, as tensions escalated, India had issued an advisory limiting the deployment of Indian sailors on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Monitoring was also enhanced through a 24-hour control room, a ship-sailor database, and regular status reports.
According to information provided in Parliament, thousands of Indian sailors were safely repatriated during the Gulf crisis. India has the world’s second-largest seafaring community.
A large number of Indian sailors work on both Indian-flagged ships and foreign vessels. Therefore, any incident in tense areas like the Persian Gulf or the Black Sea directly impacts Indian families.
India has categorically rejected the recent statements made by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the United Nations General Assembly. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the entire Jammu and Kashmir is a sovereign matter of India.
No one has any right to speak on this matter. We have seen Turkish President Erdogan’s statement, which is highly objectionable. We reject it.
