163 Indian Sailors Aboard Commercial Vessels in the Persian Gulf, Ministry Confirms

New Delhi, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported on September 29 that 163 Indian sailors are currently aboard 12 commercial vessels navigating the Persian Gulf, specifically west of the Strait of Hormuz. During a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "At present, there are six Indian-flagged commercial ships in the Persian Gulf, along with six foreign-flagged vessels bringing cargo to India.Approximately 163 Indian sailors are on these ships." He further noted that over 4,500 Indian sailors are serving on various commercial vessels operating in the region. The Ministry of Shipping is closely monitoring the movements of these ships and is committed to the welfare of all sailors. Whenever necessary, steps are taken through embassies and other stakeholders to ensure their well-being. "We are dedicated to the safety and welfare of our maritime community abroad," he added.Since the onset of conflicts in West Asia, India has condemned attacks targeting sailors and acts of violence that disrupt free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. The government has reiterated the importance of returning to dialogue and diplomacy for peace, security, and stability in the region. On September 25, during the inaugural meeting of the "Group of Friends on Shipping and Seafarers' Safety and Security" in New York, External Affairs Minister Dr.S. Jaishankar highlighted India's role as a major source of sailors and its collaboration with Liberia, the largest shipping registry, to enhance maritime security. He pointed out recent incidents, including an attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the death of an Indian sailor. Just ten days prior, a Panama-flagged oil tanker, EL Gaia, was targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one Indian crew member missing.These incidents have become alarmingly frequent, with commercial shipping and sailors facing repeated attacks in the Gulf, Red Sea, and surrounding areas. Dr. Jaishankar also mentioned similar unacceptable actions occurring in the Black Sea, citing the targeting of MV Omorfi on July 18, which resulted in the death of an Indian chief officer. The following day, an attack on MV Golden Leo after departing Odessa claimed the lives of four Indian sailors. During the meeting, India urged the international community to address the alarming trend of increasing attacks on commercial and civilian vessels from the Black Sea to the Red Sea and the Gulf, calling for a united front to prevent such incidents that have become a growing concern.