Tensions in the Gulf put shipping routes under scrutiny as Indian vessels navigate a key maritime corridor. Officials say Indian ships and seafarers remain safe, though risks persist for crews on foreign-flagged vessels, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The Ministry of External Affairs has said that 10 Indian ships have safely exited the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz in the last week, while 14 vessels remain in the Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions in the region. The update came as officials outlined ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and crew operating in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have 10 Indian ships that have exited the Strait of Hormuz safely in the last few weeks. We have 14 Indian ships that are still in the Persian Gulf.” His remarks follow increased concern over maritime security in the area, which handles a substantial share of global oil shipments and is often affected by regional instability.
Providing details on a recent security incident, Jaiswal said that two foreign ships were fired upon a day earlier, with Indian crew members on board. He confirmed that all Indian nationals were safe and noted that the vessels involved were not Indian flagged, limiting the availability of detailed information.
“Regarding the matter of yesterday, the firing that happened, two foreign ships were fired upon. Some of our Indian crew members, sailors, were on them. They are safe. And these two ships, which were fired upon, are foreign ships. I don’t have detailed information about this because they are foreign ships,” Jaiswal added. He emphasised that the safety of Indian nationals remains a priority for the government.
The spokesperson also said that India is maintaining continuous communication with Iran to facilitate the safe passage of the remaining ships and crew in the region. “Our continuous conversation with the government of Iran is going on so that the remaining ships there can safely come to India,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the most critical shipping routes globally, serving as a vital artery for energy supplies. Any escalation in the region can disrupt commercial shipping and raise concerns for both vessel operators and governments with nationals working at sea.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that all Indian seafarers operating in the region are safe following the recent firing incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels. The statement was delivered during an interministerial press briefing.
Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said that while no Indian flagged vessels were affected, authorities remain concerned about Indian crew members serving on foreign ships in the affected area. “In the past 24 hours, there were certain incidents of firing on the foreign-flag vessels. Although none of the Indian vessels came under fire, we are worried for the Indian seafarers on these vessels,” Mangal said.
He confirmed that no Indian seafarers were injured in the incidents. “None of the Indian seafarers has been injured in the firing on the foreign-flagged vessels,” he added. Mangal also said that all Indian crew members on the affected ships have been accounted for and are safe.
“A vessel, Euphoria, was having 21 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are safe. Similarly, there was another vessel, Epaminondas. That vessel has one Indian seafarer. He is also safe,” he said.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored in coordination with relevant agencies. “Therefore, all the Indian seafarers in the region are safe,” Mangal added.
