Govt Activates Maritime Safety Measures Amid West Asia Tensions

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has intensified monitoring and preparedness measures to safeguard Indian seafarers, vessels and maritime trade amid evolving geopolitical developments in West Asia.

The move comes as the government seeks to ensure uninterrupted maritime operations and the safety of Indian maritime personnel and assets operating in sensitive shipping routes such as the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Aden.

High-Level Inter-Ministerial Review Held

A high-level inter-ministerial review meeting, chaired by the Secretary, MoPSW, was convened to assess the evolving maritime situation and coordinate response measures.

The meeting brought together representatives from key government departments including:

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)

Industry stakeholders and trade bodies such as Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), the Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) also participated in the discussions.

The review followed an earlier assessment of the situation conducted by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.

24×7 Helpline and Monitoring Mechanism Activated

Officials said the ministry has set up a 24-hour helpline at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to facilitate coordination and provide support to Indian seafarers operating in the region.

A dedicated monitoring mechanism has also been established at MoPSW to continuously track developments and maintain real-time coordination with shipping companies and maritime authorities.

Security Advisories Issued for Seafarers and Vessels

To enhance maritime safety, the Directorate General of Shipping issued multiple advisories on 28 February 2026.

• DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026 directs Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers to adopt enhanced security measures and strictly follow reporting protocols under earlier safety guidelines.

• DGS Circular No. 09 of 2026 includes crew safety instructions requiring Indian seafarers to register with the Embassy of India in Tehran and submit crew details to the Directorate.

Shipping companies and maritime stakeholders have also been instructed to ensure strict compliance with safety reporting procedures.

Indian Ships Being Tracked Hourly

Authorities confirmed that no Indian-flagged vessels have been detained, boarded or involved in any casualty in the region so far.

At present, 35 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf region, including:

• 24 vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz

• 11 vessels east of the Strait, including the Gulf of Oman

In addition, three Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Gulf of Aden.

All these vessels are being continuously tracked through the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) National Data Centre, with monitoring carried out at hourly intervals and regular Situation Reports (SITREPs) issued.

Shipping Firms Advised to Exercise Caution

The government has advised shipping companies, vessel operators and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) to exercise caution while deploying crews in sensitive maritime zones.

They have been asked to:

• Conduct voyage-specific risk assessments

• Maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families

• Closely coordinate with maritime authorities and Indian missions abroad

Dedicated coordination channels have also been established to ensure timely assistance to Indian seafarers if required.

Ports Ensure Continuity of Trade

The ministry also reviewed the status of vessels and cargo shipments bound for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and other West Asian destinations.

Officials said port operations across India remain stable, and ports have been instructed to extend full support to exporters and shipping lines to minimise disruptions.

Operational measures implemented at major ports include:

• Continuous monitoring of vessel movements

• Real-time assessment of developments in the region

• Regular reporting on cargo and vessel status

• Additional storage space for cargo where necessary

Ports are also closely monitoring refrigerated and perishable consignments to ensure priority handling and prevent losses.

Government Closely Monitoring Situation

MoPSW said it will continue to monitor developments closely in coordination with maritime authorities, industry stakeholders and other ministries of the Government of India.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protect Indian maritime interests, ensure the safety of seafarers and maintain smooth maritime trade and logistics operations despite evolving geopolitical conditions.