India reviews safety of seafarers as 38 ships, 1,100 sailors remain near Strait of Hormuz amid tensions
India is closely monitoring the safety of its seafarers after nearly 38 Indian ships with around 1,100 sailors were reported to be operating in and around the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation has grown increasingly tense after Iran reportedly shut the crucial oil and gas shipping route, raising concerns about the safety of commercial vessels and maritime trade in the region.
Officials said many of the Indian ships currently positioned near the Strait are carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), making the security of these vessels a key priority. According to shipping authorities, 24 Indian-flagged vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while another 14 ships remain east of the vital shipping corridor.
India is among the world’s largest suppliers of maritime manpower, ranking third globally after the Philippines and China. At any given time, nearly 23,000 Indian seafarers are deployed on ships operating in the waters of West Asia, highlighting the scale of India’s exposure to any disruption in the region.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a review meeting on Tuesday to assess the evolving security situation and directed officials to prioritise the safety and welfare of Indian crew members. Officials present at the meeting said the government remains committed to ensuring the protection of Indian seafarers working in the conflict-affected maritime zone.
While no Indian-flagged vessels have been directly attacked so far, the broader conflict has already affected Indian crew members serving on foreign-flagged ships. The Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that four incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported in the region.
According to the officials, three Indian sailors were killed and another was injured in attacks on foreign-flagged vessels operating off the coast of Oman. Authorities are currently working to gather further details about the incidents and provide necessary assistance to the affected families.
Despite the rising tensions, officials said Indian vessels have so far managed to avoid direct strikes. However, the volatile security situation around the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes — continues to pose risks to commercial shipping and energy supplies.
The government is maintaining close coordination with maritime authorities and international partners to monitor developments in the region and ensure the safety of Indian ships and sailors operating in these waters.
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