India is actively overseeing the welfare of more than 4,500 Indian seafarers currently serving on commercial ships in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that among this group, there are 163 seafarers aboard 12 operational cargo vessels. This information was disclosed by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a recent media briefing.

Jaiswal outlined the presence of Indian maritime personnel in the region, indicating that six vessels flagged under India and six foreign-flagged cargo ships destined for India are traversing the waters of the Persian Gulf. The monitoring efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure the safety of Indian nationals working abroad.

In total, Jaiswal confirmed the presence of 12 ships, with the aforementioned number of Indian seafarers onboard. The MEA remains vigilant in its efforts to protect these individuals through its diplomatic missions and local partners, enhancing the monitoring of vessel movements.

Collaboration for Seafarers’ Welfare

The Ministry of Shipping, in collaboration with Indian embassies and relevant local stakeholders, is conducting constant surveillance on the movement of these commercial vessels. Jaiswal reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the well-being of their maritime workforce, indicating that assistance is provided whenever necessary to ensure their welfare.

“Our Ministry of Shipping continues to monitor the movement of these ships and is looking at the well-being of all these seafarers,” he stated. “As and when required, through our embassies and other stakeholders, they do the needful for their well-being and welfare.”

This proactive approach highlights New Delhi’s ongoing dedication to safeguarding the interests of its seafaring community in light of ongoing global maritime threats.

Heightened Maritime Security Risks

The announcement from the MEA arrives at a time of increasing security threats in global maritime corridors, notably in regions such as the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Black Sea, where international merchant vessels have encountered persistent assaults. These developments have raised alarms within the maritime industry.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the concerning situation during his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23. He condemned acts of violence against commercial vessels, acknowledging the tragic loss of Indian lives at sea amidst ongoing regional conflicts.

Jaishankar emphasised the emerging challenges in maritime security, stating, “New challenges in the maritime domain have added to longstanding ones on land.” He noted that various attacks on commercial shipping continue to pose dangers to seafarers from multiple nations.

In response to these threats, Jaishankar announced India’s coalition with Liberia and 23 partner nations to raise global awareness and reinforce the security of commercial shipping routes. He advocated for stringent adherence to international law to safeguard the maritime domain.

“We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised,” Jaishankar urged, highlighting the need for immediate restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews and maintain the flow of energy supplies and international trade.

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