Indian Seafarers Safe, Maritime Operations Stable Amid West Asia Tensions

New Delhi, March 2026 : The government on Wednesday confirmed that all Indian seafarers stationed in the Middle East are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours, underscoring stability in maritime operations despite evolving regional tensions.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a total of 22 Indian-flagged ships carrying 611 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is maintaining close surveillance of the situation in coordination with ship owners, recruitment and placement service license (RPSL) agencies, and Indian missions abroad.

Two LPG carrier vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which recently returned from the Middle East, are presently discharging cargo as per the scheduled plans of oil handling companies, reflecting normalcy in logistics and supply chains.

The DG Shipping’s 24×7 control room continues to play a key role in monitoring and assistance efforts. Since its activation, it has handled over 3,305 calls and 6,324 emails, including 125 calls and 449 emails in the last 24 hours alone. The government has also facilitated the safe return of more than 472 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the past day, through coordinated efforts at airports and regional transit points.

India’s maritime infrastructure remains robust, with no congestion reported at major ports. State Maritime Boards, including those in Gujarat and Maharashtra, have confirmed smooth operations. Ports across the country are actively tracking vessel movements and cargo handling, while ensuring sufficient spare capacity. Additional storage facilities have also been created, including around 2,260 square metres at Visakhapatnam Port Authority. At Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), the number of stranded containers has further declined from approximately 1,000 to around 770, indicating improved cargo flow.

The ministry reiterated that it is closely monitoring all aspects of maritime activity, including vessel movement, port operations, seafarer safety, and trade continuity, in light of the dynamic situation in West Asia.

Meanwhile, air connectivity between India and the Middle East is gradually improving. In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on March 17, with approximately 75 expected on March 18. Over 50 daily flights have been running since early March, signaling steady recovery. Flights from Saudi Arabia and Oman are continuing, while Qatar has partially reopened its airspace with limited services. However, Kuwait’s airspace remains closed, though special flights are being arranged to manage passenger movement.