India has strengthened monitoring and preparedness measures to safeguard seafarers, protect vessels and ensure continuity of maritime trade in view of the evolving maritime situation in the West Asia region, the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways said on 6 March 2026.
The ministry has activated coordinated monitoring mechanisms and precautionary protocols aimed at protecting Indian maritime interests and maintaining stable trade operations through key shipping routes linked to the Gulf and surrounding waters.
A high level inter ministerial review meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways assessed the evolving maritime developments and reviewed preparedness measures. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with stakeholders from the shipping industry and trade organisations including RIL, INSA, CSLA and FIEO.
The review meeting followed an earlier assessment conducted under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, during which the government examined the regional maritime situation and the potential implications for shipping routes, energy trade and Indian maritime personnel.
Officials informed stakeholders about the steps taken by the government to address emerging challenges in the region and ensure uninterrupted maritime operations. The ministry is maintaining close coordination with shipping companies, port authorities and industry organisations to monitor developments and respond quickly if required.
To facilitate continuous support for seafarers, a 24 hour helpline has been established at the Directorate General of Shipping. The helpline has been designed to provide assistance and maintain communication with Indian seafarers operating in or transiting through sensitive maritime zones.
The ministry has also activated an internal monitoring mechanism to track developments and maintain situational awareness regarding vessel movement and maritime safety.
As part of precautionary measures, the Directorate General of Shipping issued an advisory through Circular No 08 of 2026 dated 28 February 2026 outlining enhanced security protocols for Indian flagged vessels and seafarers operating in sensitive waters. The advisory directs vessels to adopt heightened safety measures and strictly follow reporting requirements outlined in Circular 08 of 2024.
A separate Crew Safety Advisory issued through Circular No 09 of 2026 on 28 February 2026 provides urgent instructions to Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders. The advisory calls for Indian seafarers operating in the region to register with the Embassy of India in Tehran and submit crew details to the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure effective monitoring and coordination.
Authorities confirmed that Indian flagged vessels operating in the region remain safe. No incidents involving detention boarding or casualties of Indian flagged ships have been reported so far.
Currently 35 Indian flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region are being closely monitored. Of these 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz while 11 vessels are east of the strait including the Gulf of Oman and nearby waters. In addition three Indian flagged vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden are also under surveillance.
All these vessels are being tracked through the Long Range Identification and Tracking National Data Centre at hourly intervals. Situation reports are being generated regularly to ensure that authorities remain informed about vessel movements and security conditions.
The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways is also coordinating with major Indian ports maritime authorities and other government agencies to strengthen operational preparedness and maintain uninterrupted trade flows.
Enhanced monitoring systems have been put in place for both Indian flagged ships and foreign flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers. These systems are designed to maintain continuous operational awareness and allow authorities to respond quickly to any emerging maritime risks.
Shipping companies vessel operators and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees have been advised to exercise heightened caution while deploying crew in sensitive regions. They have been directed to conduct voyage specific risk assessments and maintain regular communication with seafarers as well as their families.
The ministry has also reviewed the movement of vessels and cargo shipments destined for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other West Asian destinations. Officials said port operations across India remain stable and trade logistics continue without disruption.
Major ports have been instructed to extend all possible assistance to exporters and shipping operators to minimise potential disruptions to international trade. Authorities have also implemented operational measures including continuous monitoring of vessel movement in coordination with shipping lines and vessel agents.
Port authorities are conducting real time assessments of the maritime situation and submitting regular updates on cargo movement and vessel status. Where necessary additional storage facilities have been arranged to handle cargo volumes.
Special attention is being given to refrigerated and perishable cargo consignments to ensure priority handling and avoid losses for exporters dealing in temperature sensitive goods.
Officials emphasised that the government will continue to closely monitor the evolving maritime situation in coordination with relevant ministries and maritime stakeholders. The objective is to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers protect vessels operating in international waters and maintain the smooth functioning of India’s maritime trade and logistics network.
