Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal ordered a comprehensive ‘Seafarer-First’ response on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) to safeguard Indian crew operating in the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz.
The order comes as the maritime security situation in West Asia worsens following attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait.
Mr.
Sonowal ordered real-time vessel-by-vessel monitoring of Indian seafarers and directed the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for every affected Indian sailor.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) will coordinate the response round the clock in association with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the UAE, as well as other maritime stakeholders.
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This follows attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two ships together had 30 Indian crew members in a total strength of 46.
One Indian seafarer was killed and another injured aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while nine Indian nationals on MT Mombasa suffered injuries, including two who remain critically injured.
Expressing grief over the casualties, Mr.
Sonowal condemned the attacks on civilian merchant vessels, saying India had conveyed its strong disapproval of such incidents which endangered innocent seafarers performing a vital role in maintaining global supply chains.
He assured affected families of all possible government support.
Indian seafarers not to be deployed in conflict zones: Directorate General of Shipping Operational dashboard The Minister directed the Secretary, MoPSW, and the Director General of Shipping to establish a comprehensive operational dashboard to track every Indian seafarer aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, irrespective of the ship’s flag.
The dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew welfare, threat levels, intended voyage, next port of call, and the availability of food, fuel, medicines, and communication facilities.
Sonowal also instructed officials to ensure every vessel transiting the affected waters undertakes a fresh threat assessment before sailing.
Indian Embassy working to repatriate body of seafarer who died aboard vessel in Oman Shipowners, vessel managers, and licenced recruitment and placement agencies have been asked to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian seafarer is being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection, and support.
He reiterated that the government’s response would remain firmly focused on the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
