VOI World/ Desk
The Indian government is closely monitoring the movement of India-bound vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with contingency plans in place for the evacuation of ships if required.
According to officials, around 25 India-bound ships are currently operating in the Hormuz region, while several others are navigating the Red Sea. Authorities have identified 13 vessels that could be assisted or evacuated if the security situation deteriorates. Of these, 17 vessels are India-flagged, with Indian crew members serving aboard both Indian and foreign-flagged ships.
The vessels are carrying strategically important cargo, including eight shipments of fertilisers critical for India’s ongoing Kharif cropping season and three consignments of energy products.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess the safety of Indian seafarers and the security of maritime operations in the region. He reiterated that the welfare of Indian seafarers remains the government’s highest priority.
Officials said that since the outbreak of conflict in West Asia, 67 ships of Indian interest have safely transited through the affected sea routes. During the same period, more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers have returned to India safely through coordinated government efforts.
The latest review comes a day after an India-flagged cargo vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of Yemen, highlighting the growing risks facing commercial shipping in the region. India has condemned attacks on merchant vessels and called for the restoration of safe, free and unimpeded navigation through international waters.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and energy trade. Any disruption in the region could have wider implications for international supply chains, energy markets and maritime commerce, making the security of India-bound shipping a key strategic priority.
