India maritime monitoring increased to protect seafarers and trade amid West Asia situation

The Union Government said it has tightened monitoring and readiness measures due to tensions in West Asia. The focus is on protecting Indian seafarers and vessels. It also aims to keep maritime trade moving without disruption. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is watching developments closely with other ministries.

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An inter-ministerial review meeting took place under the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, MoPS&W. The discussion assessed risks in the region and reviewed response steps. The government said Indian-flagged ships remained safe. It reported no confirmed detention, boarding, or casualty involving Indian-flagged vessels.

West Asia maritime situation monitoring by MoPS&W

The ministry said it has set up a monitoring mechanism to track changes continuously. It is coordinating with maritime stakeholders and relevant Union Government ministries. The aim is to protect Indian maritime interests. It is also focused on seafarer safety and smooth maritime trade and logistics operations.

To support seafarers, a 24-hour helpline has been created at the Directorate General of Shipping, DGS. The ministry said it is working with the shipping industry for coordination. It also said dedicated coordination systems are in place. These are meant to provide timely assistance to Indian seafarers when needed.

The government said 35 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region are under regular watch. It said 24 are west of the Strait of Hormuz. Another 11 are east of the Strait, including the Gulf of Oman areas. It also said three vessels in the Gulf of Aden are tracked.

Tracking is done through the LRIT long-range identification and tracking National Data Centre. The government said vessel positions are checked hourly. It added that regular shipping situation reports, or SITREPs, are issued. This is meant to support operational awareness during the West Asia maritime situation.

West Asia maritime situation advisories for Indian seafarers

An advisory was issued through the DGS on February 2028, the statement said. It directed Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers to strengthen security measures. It also asked them to follow reporting protocols strictly. The ministry said a crew safety advisory was also issued through a DGS circular of February 28.

The February 28 circular gave urgent directions for Indian seafarers and stakeholders. It included registration with the Embassy of India, Tehran. It also required submission of crew details to the Directorate. The ministry said monitoring continues through the DGS with major Indian ports, authorities, and other agencies.

The statement said monitoring covers Indian-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers. It said reporting systems were enhanced to keep continuous situational awareness. The goal is to maintain operational preparedness. Companies, vessel operators, and RPSLs were advised to be careful with crew deployment.

The ministry said firms should carry out voyage-specific risk assessments in sensitive areas. It also asked them to keep regular contact with seafarers and families. The Friday meeting included the Ministry of External Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas. It also had DGFT and stakeholders from shipping and trade organisations.

West Asia maritime situation impact on ports and trade

The ministry reviewed vessels and cargo headed to GCC and other West Asian destinations. It said port operations across India remained stable. Ports were told to provide assistance to reduce exporter hardships. The aim is to maintain continuity of EXIM trade as regional risks evolve.

Major ports have taken operational steps linked to the West Asia maritime situation. These include tracking vessel movements with shipping lines and vessel agents. Ports are also assessing events in real time and reporting vessel and cargo status. Extra storage was arranged where needed, while perishable cargo is watched for priority handling.

The review followed an earlier assessment led by Sarbananda Sonowal, the statement said. The government said it will keep coordinating across ministries and industry bodies. It also said tracking and reporting will continue for vessels in sensitive waters. The ministry maintained that confirmed incidents involving Indian-flagged ships have not been reported.

With inputs from PTI