New Delhi : One Indian-flagged oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Gulf war while 27 others are still in the conflict-hit waters, the government confirmed on Friday. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf with global markets, has become a focal point of concern for governments and shipping companies as tensions rise.
Rajesh K Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, said the government is maintaining constant oversight of Indian vessels operating in and around the Strait. One vessel with the Indian flag has moved from the Strait of Hormuz today, he said. He explained that the vessel was positioned east of the Strait and did not need to cross the passage. Providing a broader picture of maritime activity in the Gulf, Sinha said 27 Indian-flagged ships and over 700 seafarers remain in waters around the Strait of Hormuz.
To the east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, there were previously four vessels. Yesterday one of them, the Jag Prakash, an oil tanker, departed the area. Consequently, three Indian-flagged vessels now remain in that region carrying 76 Indian seafarers,” he added. Across the entire Gulf region there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers working on various vessels including merchant ships and offshore vessels,” he said.
Till date we have received around 900 phone calls and 200 emails,” he said, adding that the number of requests has gradually come down. The Prime Minister has spoken with the Iranian leadership and expressed deep concern regarding the security of Indians there,” Jaiswal said. He added that India’s External Affairs Minister has also spoken with Iran’s foreign minister.
According to the MEA, Kuwait’s airspace has been shut. In Iraq the airspace is closed, but we are facilitating the return of Indian citizens through Saudi Arabia,” Jaiswal said. Despite concerns over shipping routes, the government said India’s petroleum supply situation remains stable. Sujatha Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, said refineries have adequate crude stock and fuel distribution is continuing normally.