New Delhi: The Indian government has launched a coordinated effort to help 13 commercial vessels flagged under India escape the perilous Strait of Hormuz. This operation comes as tensions rise in West Asia and the Gulf region, putting both citizens and economic interests at risk.
To protect its citizens, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly advised all Indians to steer clear of travel to Iran. For those already in the country, immediate evacuation is recommended.
Opesh Kumar Sharma, a director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, explained that a tactical plan is in place to assist the vessels trapped in this critical waterway. Currently, there are various types of ships involved, including LPG tankers, crude oil tankers, and bulk carriers.
A recent success to note is the safe passage of the Nissos Keros, a large tanker carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil, which navigated through the Strait of Hormuz on May 25-26. It is expected to reach the Visakhapatnam port on June 3, 2026. Importantly, all Indian seafarers aboard both Indian and foreign vessels in the area are reported safe.
The Directorate General of Shipping has become a crisis hub, receiving over 10,800 calls and 24,000 emails from anxious seafarers and their families since its activation. The government has been able to bring home 3,422 Indian sailors from various Gulf locations, with 47 rescued in just the last 96 hours.
Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), shared that the government is actively working on evacuation plans and is in constant communication with Indian community organizations to address concerns. Airspace in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait remains open, allowing flights to continue and offer repatriation to Indian citizens.
Despite the growing chaos in the region, flights are operating robustly, with major airlines like Air India and IndiGo facilitating travel back to India. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has helped evacuate 2,557 Indians through neighboring land borders.
The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation, focusing on the safety of Indian nationals in the region. As tensions escalate, securing energy supplies has become paramount. MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government aims to diversify its energy sources to safeguard India’s economic stability.
In summary, the Indian government’s proactive measures aim not only to ensure the safety of its citizens and seafarers but also to protect vital economic interests amid growing geopolitical instability.
For further information, you can refer to the latest reports from the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
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IRAN WAR, STRAIT OF HORMUZ, INDIAN SHIPS IN HORMUZ, WEST ASIA CRISIS, INDIA RUSHES TO EVACUATE 13 FLAGGED SHIPS AMID ESCALATING GULF CRISIS
