Govt Confirms Normalcy in Indian Seas, 534+ Seafarers Back Home

In a reassuring update, the Indian government stated Saturday that national maritime areas function normally, free of port congestions. Ongoing dialogues with maritime boards and partners prioritize seafarer welfare and trade continuity.

Proactive steps protect Indian vessels and personnel operating near Hormuz Strait. Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry closely tracks safety protocols and navigational status.

No Indian-flagged ships reported issues in the last 24 hours; all 611 crew on 22 vessels in the Persian Gulf area are secure. DG Shipping's round-the-clock vigilance involves ship operators, agents, and diplomatic outposts.

A somber note: An Indian captain on Panama-registered ASP Aavana died on March 18, 2026. Coordination with UAE mission aids the bereaved family.

Control room operations logged 3,670 calls and 6,929 emails overall, 120 calls and 181 mails yesterday alone. Repatriation efforts brought back 534+ seafarers, including 21 recently.

External Affairs Ministry's focus on Gulf-West Asia security features a 24x7 helpline syncing with regional governments. Over 3.3 lakh travelers homebound since late February.

Iraq's MT Safec Vishnu saw its 15 Indian crew safely evacuated. Aviation updates: UAE hosted ~90 flights Saturday; Saudi, Oman flights persist; Qatar's 8-10 special flights follow partial airspace clearance.

India's multi-agency framework exemplifies crisis management, blending maritime, diplomatic, and aerial evacuations for citizen protection.