Three Indian seafarers have died and one remains missing following a series of maritime incidents involving Indian crew members aboard foreign-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Thursday.
Addressing a press briefing, Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said 78 Indian seafarers were on board the affected vessels. Of them, 70 escaped unharmed while four sustained injuries but are currently stable.
“There have been maritime incidents involving Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels. Of these vessels, there were 78 Indian seafarers. Of these, 70 are unhurt and escaped. Four sustained injuries over the last few days, but are stable. Unfortunately, there have been three casualties, and one seafarer is missing,” he said.
Sinha added that the number of Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf remains unchanged at 28. Of these, 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers are positioned to the east.
“The number of Indian flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region remains unchanged. The number was 28 yesterday; it remains 28 today. Of these 28, 24 are located on the west of the Strait of Hormuz, which has 677 Indian seafarers, and four vessels are on the east of the Strait with 101 Indian seafarers on board. All Indian vessels and crew thereon are being actively monitored for their safety and security,” he added.
The incidents come amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israeli military operations that led to the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Iran later targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.
The Ministry of External Affairs said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been in contact with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss the safety of shipping and India’s energy security.
“EAM and FM of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal also confirmed that around 9,000 Indian nationals, including seafarers, students, businesspersons, professionals and pilgrims, are currently in Iran and are receiving assistance from Indian authorities.
Several Indians, mainly students, have already returned to India, while others including pilgrims have been relocated to safer areas. Authorities are also helping those wishing to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia to access onward commercial flights.
India has also co-sponsored a Gulf Cooperation Council-led resolution at the United Nations Security Council emphasising the protection of its diaspora in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with leaders in West Asia, stressing dialogue, diplomacy and the protection of civilians.
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