As regional tensions simmer in West Asia, India’s government has delivered reassuring news: 2,922 seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 30 in the last day from Gulf hotspots. No threats have touched Indian-flagged ships recently.
Joint efforts by the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry, External Affairs Ministry, and diplomatic outposts are yielding results. The DG Shipping control room’s round-the-clock handling of thousands of communications—8,335 calls and 17,838 emails—highlights the scale of the response.
Ports nationwide report smooth sailing with zero congestion, ensuring supply chains stay intact. In parallel, MEA’s vigilant oversight in the Gulf includes frequent advisories on travel, flights, and consular aid. Embassies are lifelines, resolving issues for stranded Indians.
Aviation updates bring optimism: extra flights bridge the Gulf-India gap, UAE runs select services, Saudi and Oman keep schedules, Iraq permits limited access, and Iran focuses on essentials like cargo. Travel to Iran is off-limits; land evacuations are the way out, with Tehran’s embassy extracting 2,490 via ground routes.
This comprehensive strategy not only secures seafarers but also bolsters confidence in India’s maritime prowess and diplomatic reach during uncertain times.
