20 Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers remain in Persian Gulf region: Govt

New Delhi:  Twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and are being actively monitored, the government said on Saturday.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region

“All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. They are being actively monitored by the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

DG Shipping has facilitated safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.

Moreover, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

“Coordination continues with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations,” said the ministry.

Since February 28, around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region.

“Indian Missions and Posts remain in touch with the Indian community and continue to extend assistance, along with issuing necessary advisories for their safety and well-being,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia and safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority.

As per sources and multiple reports, two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India were likely transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as the geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt movement through the critical maritime route.

Indian Navy warships have been deployed near key ports to provide assistance, with more vessels expected to arrive from the Strait in the coming days.

IANS