Repatriation of Indian Seafarers from the Gulf
New Delhi: The Ministry of Shipping recently announced that 50 Indian seafarers returned home from the Gulf region in just one day. They confirmed that 540 Indian sailors remain safe aboard 20 vessels in the area.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, the special secretary of the Ministry, shared updates during an Inter-Ministerial Briefing. He reported no congestion at ports, stating, “Operations are normal, and we’re monitoring everything closely.” The safety of Indian seafarers and the flow of maritime trade are top priorities.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is actively tracking the situation in collaboration with ship owners and agencies. They reported that their control room has managed over 4,100 calls and nearly 8,000 emails from seafarers and their families, showing the high demand for support.
In total, the DG Shipping has helped repatriate over 635 seafarers recently. Sinha noted that various State Maritime Boards have confirmed no port congestion and are ensuring smooth cargo operations.
As for diplomatic efforts, Randhir Jaiswal from the Ministry of External Affairs updated that the Indian government continues outreach to citizens in the Gulf. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had conversations with global leaders like the US President and Sri Lankan President about the regional situation and its impact on global energy security.
Additionally, the External Affairs Minister has expressed gratitude to Iran for its support of Indian nationals during this tumultuous period. Aseem R Mahajan, another senior official, emphasized that missions overseas are helping stranded Indians navigate issues such as visas and travel arrangements.
The airline situation is improving, with over 426,000 passengers returning to India since late February. Authorities have arranged additional flights to assist with the repatriation of those affected.
To aid Indian nationals in difficult situations, efforts are ongoing for those in Iran to transit to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Israel, arrangements are being made for travel through Jordan, while adjustments are being made for those facing restrictions in the Gulf countries.
Moreover, the Ministry is also focusing on the repatriation of deceased individuals, working closely with families to ensure a dignified return. Indian Missions in Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in touch with local authorities regarding missing persons and facilitating the repatriation of remains.
This initiative reflects the Indian government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, demonstrating proactive measures in response to a rapidly changing global situation.
For more detailed statistics and insights regarding current events in the Gulf and their implications, you can refer to trusted sources like the Ministry of External Affairs and the Directorate General of Shipping.
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MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, INDIAN SEAFARERS REPATRIATED, DG SHIPPING, INTER MINISTERIAL BRIEFING, WEST ASIA CRISIS, 50 INDIAN SEAFARERS REPATRIATED FROM GULF IN LAST 24 HOURS: MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
