As regional tensions simmer in the Gulf, India has achieved a remarkable feat: safely repatriating 2,922 seafarers, including 30 in the last day from conflict hotspots. The government emphasized that every Indian-flagged vessel in the area is fully secure, with zero incidents over the past 24 hours.
A joint effort by the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry, External Affairs Ministry, and overseas missions has been pivotal. The DG Shipping control room’s tireless work—managing 8,335 calls and 17,838 emails—highlights the scale of operations. Recent figures show 67 calls and 144 emails handled yesterday.
Port activities nationwide are running smoothly, free from any bottlenecks, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains. In parallel, the MEA keeps a vigilant eye on West Asia, issuing timely advisories on travel, flights, and consular aid. Embassies are in touch with Indians on the ground, facilitating solutions to emerging issues.
Aviation updates bring relief: extra flights from Gulf countries to India, limited UAE services, ongoing Saudi and Oman routes, and partial access through Iraq and Iran for essential flights. Travel to Iran is strongly discouraged; land evacuations are recommended, with Tehran’s embassy successfully extracting 2,490 nationals already.
This comprehensive response not only safeguards lives but also bolsters India’s maritime resilience, sending a strong message of national priority on citizen safety.
