As many as 28 Indian vessels carrying 778 sailors are currently in the Persian Gulf, a government official said on Wednesday. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said in a press release to the media that 24 of these ships with 677 crew members are located in the western part of S.feature of Hormuz. The remaining four vessels, carrying 101 individuals, are located on the eastern side.
Sinha emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring the changing marine environment in the region. In response to the heightened situation in Western AsiaAuthorities have strengthened monitoring and preparedness protocols to ensure the protection of all Indian naval assets and personnel.
“We are actively monitoring all vessels for their safety and security. Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies… are working closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and provide them with medical assistance,” the official said.
The government is also facilitating continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders to provide the necessary support to shipping companies and seafarers alike. To this end, the Directorate General (DG) of Maritime Transport issued a formal recommendation. These directives mandate that all Indian-flagged ships and crew members implement enhanced security measures and strictly adhere to real-time reporting and communication protocols.
On the domestic impact, Sinha noted that port operations across India remain stable. Major ports have adopted specific operational strategies, such as real-time monitoring of shipping traffic in coordination with agents and shipping lines, along with a consistent assessment of regional development.
To ensure an immediate response, 24-hour dispatch centers were activated both within the Ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping. The Directorate General is also in direct contact with ship operators and seafarers’ unions to offer timely updates. In addition, ports have been instructed to provide necessary assistance to exporters to mitigate potential trade disruptions and maintain the continuity of India’s EXIM operations.
Another 3 ships hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz
Three other ships were hit by unidentified projectiles Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime risk and safety specialists. This latest round of attacks brings the total number of vessels hit in the region to at least 14 since the conflict with Iran broke out.
Following the launch of US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, navigation through the narrow waterway has virtually come to a standstill. These hostilities halted the export of roughly 20% of global oil supplies, causing international fuel prices to rise to levels not seen since 2022.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning that any vessel attempting to pass through the strait would be considered a target. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has vowed to escalate military operations against Iran if it continues to block a critical sea route.
The Thai-flagged dry bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was hit by two projectiles of unknown origin during its transit on Wednesday. The operator, Precious Shipping, said the strike had sparked a fire and caused significant damage to the ship’s engine room.
