All Indian Seafarers Safe in Persian Gulf, Government Steps Up Monitoring and Repatriation Efforts

New Delhi, April 2026 : The Government of India on Sunday confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours. The assurance came from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which said it is closely tracking developments in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to the Ministry, a total of 17 Indian-flagged vessels with around 460 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the western Persian Gulf. The Director General of Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, recruitment agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions, is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of crew members.

The Ministry highlighted that shipping movements, port operations, and maritime trade are being continuously observed to prevent disruptions. A dedicated control room set up by the DG Shipping remains operational круглосуточно, handling thousands of communications since its activation. So far, it has managed over 5,000 calls and more than 10,000 emails, including dozens of queries in the last 24 hours alone.

Efforts to bring Indian seafarers back home have also gained momentum. The DG Shipping has facilitated the safe return of more than 1,479 seafarers, including 159 in the past day, from various locations across the Gulf region. Authorities have coordinated closely with airports and regional agencies to ensure smooth repatriation.

On the domestic front, port operations across India continue to function normally. State Maritime Boards in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have reported no congestion or disruption, indicating stability in maritime logistics despite external pressures.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working in tandem with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and maritime stakeholders to safeguard seafarers while maintaining uninterrupted trade routes. This coordinated approach aims to address both safety concerns and operational continuity.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has intensified its outreach across the Gulf and West Asia region. Indian embassies and consulates are maintaining constant communication with Indian communities, offering assistance and issuing advisories to ensure their safety.

In a significant development, 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran were successfully repatriated on Saturday. The Embassy of India in Tehran facilitated their movement from southern Iran to Armenia, from where they boarded flights to Chennai.

The MEA has also set up a dedicated control room and is coordinating regularly with state governments and Union Territories. Missions are operating 24×7 helplines, providing services such as visa assistance, consular support, transit arrangements, and logistical aid.

Special attention is being given to Indian students in the region, with missions working alongside local authorities, educational institutions, and examination bodies to address academic concerns.

Additionally, Indian missions remain in close contact with crew members on vessels, assisting with communication with families and processing requests for return when required.

As tensions persist in the region, the government has reiterated that the safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals remain its highest priority, with all necessary measures being taken to respond swiftly to any emerging situation.