Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday reviewed the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels in conflict-prone regions, directing officials to strengthen coordination across agencies and ensure round-the-clock support for mariners amid evolving geopolitical tensions affecting key global shipping routes.
The high-level review meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and Heads of Indian Missions in countries across West Asia and the Black Sea region, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. Officials briefed the minister on the prevailing security situation, maritime developments and the preparedness of Indian diplomatic missions to respond to emergencies involving Indian seafarers.
Emphasising that the safety of Indian mariners remains the government’s top priority, Sonowal directed all concerned agencies to maintain constant coordination and ensure swift assistance whenever required.
“No Indian seafarer should find himself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict. Every possible measure must be taken to safeguard our seafarers, support their families and ensure timely assistance wherever required,” the minister said.
The Directorate General of Shipping informed the meeting that its 24×7 Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell is fully operational, providing round-the-clock support to Indian seafarers and their families through dedicated helplines, information services and grievance redressal mechanisms.
As part of efforts to improve preparedness before deployment, Sonowal reviewed measures to enhance awareness among seafarers heading to sensitive regions. Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been tasked with conducting structured pre-departure orientation programmes to familiarise seafarers with operational conditions, security protocols and the evolving geopolitical risks in their areas of deployment.
Recognising the psychological challenges associated with prolonged deployments in volatile regions, the minister directed officials to integrate mental health support into the country’s seafarer welfare framework. He called for structured counselling services for both seafarers and their families and stressed the need for transparent communication on operational risks before deployment.
“Our responsibility extends beyond ensuring physical safety. Seafarers and their families deserve timely information, emotional support and complete transparency regarding the challenges they may face while serving at sea. We must strengthen every aspect of our welfare ecosystem to stand firmly with our maritime community during these uncertain times,” Sonowal said.
The minister also instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian Missions abroad, shipping companies, maritime authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that India’s response mechanism remains proactive, integrated and capable of responding quickly to any contingency involving Indian seafarers.
The review comes as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt key international shipping corridors, prompting the government to strengthen its preparedness and support systems for Indian seafarers serving on merchant vessels operating in conflict-sensitive regions.
