The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is closely monitoring the prevailing situation in West Asia and activated precautionary steps to protect Indian seafarers and maritime assets.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the security situation across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and adjoining waters, where recent missile and drone activity, along with electronic interference, have heightened maritime risk.
Speaking after the meeting, Sonowal said, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have activated all necessary precautionary, monitoring and coordination mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of our seafarers and the security of our maritime assets. We remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging development.”
He said the government stands firmly with India’s seafarers and maritime stakeholders and is ready to extend operational, diplomatic and humanitarian support if needed.
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Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping stated that at least three Indian seafarers working on foreign flagged vessels have lost their lives and one has been injured in incidents linked to the conflict. An advisory has been issued asking shipping operators to carefully assess voyage specific risks in view of the growing security threats in the region.
Tensions have escalated sharply following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and the situation has deteriorated further after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane for oil and trade.
West Asia is facing military turmoil where the U.S. and Israeli forces are at war against Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz – a major passage for vessels. The war has intensified since the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
