The Centre on Tuesday announced a series of emergency measures to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in conflict-hit West Asia after attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz left one Indian sailor dead and several others injured.
Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal directed authorities to adopt a “Seafarer-First” approach, ordering real-time monitoring of vessels, dedicated liaison officers for every affected Indian seafarer and round-the-clock coordination among multiple ministries and maritime agencies.
The review came after attacks on merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The two ships had a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indians. One Indian seafarer was killed and another injured aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals sustained injuries, two of whom remain in critical condition.
Expressing grief over the loss of the Indian seafarer, Sonowal condemned the attacks on civilian merchant ships.
“India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels. These have resulted in the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers who, as key workers ensuring the proper functioning of global supply chains, suffered due to these irresponsible, unwarranted and uncalled-for attacks,” the minister said.
He added, “I am profoundly hurt and aggrieved by the unfortunate and tragic loss of one more of our brave and innocent seafarer. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for those injured. We shall ensure that our seafarers’ families are supported and cared for.”
As part of the government’s response, the Directorate General of Shipping has been directed to create a comprehensive dashboard to track every Indian seafarer operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, irrespective of the vessel’s flag.
The dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, voyage plans, threat assessments and welfare status.
“The welfare of our seafarers remains paramount. There can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers,” Sonowal said, adding that every Indian in the affected region would be individually accounted for.
The minister also ordered the appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for each affected Indian seafarer. The officers will act as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel arrangements, repatriation, welfare assistance, compensation claims, outstanding wages and other contractual benefits.
Officials have also been instructed to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region to obtain verified information on navigational safety, port facilities, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures and ongoing investigations.
Referring to India’s diplomatic outreach, Sonowal said the government had raised the issue at international maritime forums.
“The Government of India has communicated with all the multilateral forum of the IMO and also with the representatives of the concerned flag administration involved in the multiple incidents that contravened international conventions and fundamental requirements of seafarers’ security and safety. We will continue to make every effort to ensure resolution of the issues and remain committed to all stakeholders in this trying and challenging time,” he said.
The minister also directed that ships should pass through the affected waters only after fresh threat assessments and in consultation with maritime authorities. Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have been asked to confirm that Indian seafarers are not being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and support.
To assist affected seafarers and their families, the government has activated a 24×7 grievance support system, including domestic and international helplines, a dedicated WhatsApp number and an email support service.
