With maritime tensions escalating in West Asia following attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre has directed authorities to establish a real-time monitoring mechanism to track
every Indian seafarer operating in the region, regardless of the flag under which their vessel is registered.
According to a PTI report, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday instructed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering ships operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
The move is aimed at strengthening oversight of Indian crew members and ensuring faster emergency response amid the evolving security situation.
LIVE DASHBOARD TO TRACK EVERY INDIAN SEAFARER
The proposed dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat perception, voyage plans, next port of call and the availability of support facilities.
The minister directed that every Indian seafarer in the affected waters must be individually accounted for, irrespective of the vessel’s flag.
Emphasising that the welfare of Indian seafarers remains the government’s top priority, Sonowal said, “There can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers.”
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The directive was issued during a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting convened to assess the security situation in the Gulf region.
REVIEW HELD AFTER ATTACKS ON TWO MERCHANT VESSELS
The review came after attacks on two merchant vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, in the Strait of Hormuz.
Together, the two ships had a crew of 46 people, including 30 Indian seafarers.
According to the official statement cited by PTI, one Indian seafarer was killed and another sustained injuries aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while nine Indian nationals were injured on MT Mombasa.
The meeting assessed the evolving security environment across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, reviewed risks faced by Indian seafarers and examined India’s contingency planning and emergency response preparedness.
Among those present were Union Minister of State for Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian missions in Iran and Oman, and other maritime agencies.
LIAISON OFFICER TO BE ASSIGNED TO EVERY AFFECTED INDIAN
To streamline assistance for families of affected crew members, Sonowal directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for every Indian seafarer impacted by the crisis.
According to the statement, the liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families and coordinate medical updates, travel documentation, repatriation, family assistance, support under the Seafarers Welfare Fund, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and compensation.
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The minister also instructed officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, in coordination with the MEA, to obtain verified real-time information on navigational safety, coastal advisories, shipping routes, ports of refuge, hospitals, medical evacuation arrangements, repatriation procedures, handling of mortal remains and the status of ongoing investigations.
Sonowal directed the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to maintain round-the-clock coordination with the MEA, the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian diplomatic missions in the region.
He further instructed that every vessel transiting the affected waters should do so only after a fresh threat assessment, taking into account the professional judgment of the ship’s Master and close coordination with competent maritime authorities.
The minister also asked ship owners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers in the region to submit immediate compliance reports confirming that no Indian crew member is being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and necessary support.
INDIA RAISES CONCERNS AT INTERNATIONAL FORUMS
Expressing grief over the casualties, Sonowal said India had strongly objected to the attacks on unarmed merchant vessels.
“India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels,” he said.
He noted that the attacks had resulted in the death and serious injuries of Indian seafarers, describing them as key workers who ensure the smooth functioning of global supply chains.
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The minister added that India has communicated its concerns to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the relevant flag administrations involved in the incidents, stating that the attacks violated international conventions concerning the safety and security of seafarers and the right of innocent passage for merchant vessels.
“We will continue to make every effort to ensure resolution of the issues and remain committed to all stakeholders in this trying and challenging time,” Sonowal said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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