Indian Oil Tanker ‘Jag Laadki’ Departs UAE Safely as Govt Monitors Seafarers in Gulf

New Delhi, March 2026: An Indian-flagged oil tanker carrying a large shipment of crude oil has safely departed from the United Arab Emirates for India, even as authorities continue to closely monitor the evolving maritime situation in the Gulf region.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessel Jag Laadki, transporting around 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil, sailed from Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and is heading toward India. The ministry confirmed that the ship and all Indian crew members on board are safe.

Officials also stated that no shipping incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported in the past 24 hours, providing reassurance amid heightened tensions in the wider Gulf region.

In addition to the crude oil tanker, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — are currently on their way to India after safely crossing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The vessels are carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). According to officials, Shivalik is expected to arrive at Mundra Port on Monday, while Nanda Devi is scheduled to reach Kandla Port on Tuesday.

Authorities said that at present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with around 611 seafarers remain positioned west of the Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping is continuously monitoring their movement and safety in coordination with ship owners, Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions.

Since the DG Shipping Control Room was activated to handle the situation, it has responded to a large volume of queries from seafarers, their families and other maritime stakeholders. Officials reported that the control room has handled about 2,995 phone calls and more than 5,357 emails seeking information and assistance.

The government has also been facilitating the safe return of Indian seafarers from the region. So far, 276 Indian sailors have been repatriated from Gulf countries, including 23 who were brought back over the past 24 hours from various airports and regional locations.

Ports across India have been instructed to closely monitor vessel movements and cargo operations as part of precautionary measures. Authorities are ensuring that maritime trade and port operations continue smoothly despite the evolving situation in West Asia.

The shipping ministry said it is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian embassies and consulates, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders to safeguard the welfare of Indian seafarers and maintain the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade.

Indian diplomatic missions across the Gulf region are also maintaining constant contact with members of the Indian community and offering assistance wherever necessary. They are operating round-the-clock helplines and issuing advisories to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and the Gulf region, emphasising that the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad remain the government’s top priority. A dedicated control room has been established to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families while coordination is being maintained with state governments and Union Territories.