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Sonowal said the government would continue working with international maritime bodies and foreign administrations to safeguard Indian seafarers.
Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula on May 17, 2026. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US-Iran War News: Amid escalating maritime security tensions in West Asia, the Centre on Tuesday launched a comprehensive “Seafarer-First” response, directing authorities to monitor every Indian seafarer sailing through the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the flag under which their vessel operates.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday chaired a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting and instructed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering ships operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, news agency PTI reported.
The dashboard will provide real-time information on a vessel’s location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare status, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and available emergency facilities.
“There can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers,” Sonowal said, stressing that every Indian sailor in the region must be individually accounted for.
Describing the initiative as a “Seafarer-First” response, Sonowal said the government would continue working with international maritime bodies and foreign administrations to safeguard Indian seafarers and ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade through the region.
He said that India remains committed to extending every possible support to its seafarers and their families during the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Sonowal said that the initiative adopts a whole-of-government approach to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian crew members in the sea.
The announcement comes after an Indian seafarer, identified as Rohan Kumar, was killed after two Emirati oil tankers came under missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two ships had a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian seafarers. Rohan Kumar was killed in the attack on MT Al Bahiyah, while another was injured. Nine Indian nationals aboard MT Mombasa also sustained injuries, with two reported to be in serious condition.
Expressing grief over the incident, Sonowal condemned the attacks on civilian merchant vessels and said India had strongly protested the violation of international maritime conventions.
The Union Minister directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for every affected Indian seafarer.
The liaison officers will act as a single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documents, repatriation, financial assistance through the Seafarers Welfare Fund, outstanding wages, compensation and other support.
The government has also activated a 24×7 grievance support system through toll-free helplines, WhatsApp and email for Indian seafarers and their families.
Sonowal also instructed officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, along with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy and other maritime agencies, to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, shipping routes, medical evacuation, repatriation and ongoing investigations.
He further directed that every vessel transiting the war zone undertake a fresh threat assessment before sailing and that shipowners and recruitment agencies ensure no Indian seafarer is compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and support.
(With inputs from agencies)
India has launched a “Seafarer-First” plan to monitor every Indian sailor in West Asia. This initiative includes creating a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard for real-time tracking.
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Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre…Read More
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