All Indian Ships Safe in Persian Gulf; Government Steps Up Maritime Coordination and Port Support
NEW DELHI: In a reassuring update amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities in the Persian Gulf region, the Government of India has confirmed that all Indian-flagged vessels operating in the area, including through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, remain safe and secure.
According to Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, a total of 611 Indian ships are currently accounted for in the region, with no incidents reported so far. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has been actively coordinating with ship owners, maritime agencies, and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure continuous monitoring and support.
Over the past 24 hours, the DG Shipping control room has demonstrated heightened responsiveness, handling approximately 150 calls and 225 emails related to vessel movements and safety concerns. In a coordinated effort, 16 Indian ships have successfully navigated back from the region, reflecting the effectiveness of the government’s proactive approach.
On the domestic front, the Ministry remains in close coordination with ports and maritime authorities across key coastal states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Officials have confirmed that there have been no adverse reports from any Indian ports.
Key ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mundra Port, and Deendayal Port Authority have undertaken proactive measures to ensure seamless cargo handling and trade continuity. Notably, Deendayal Port has expanded its storage capacity by approximately 54 acres and introduced operational waivers to ease logistics pressure.
In addition, several ports are offering concessions of up to 50 percent on select services to facilitate smoother cargo movement during this period. These initiatives aim to mitigate potential disruptions and maintain the steady flow of trade.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways continues to closely monitor the evolving situation, prioritizing the safety of Indian seafarers while ensuring that the country’s maritime trade remains uninterrupted.