In response to heightened security risks in West Asian waters, the Indian government has introduced a robust new policy to monitor and safeguard every Indian seafarer, regardless of the vessel’s flag. This “Seafarer-First” approach focuses on real-time accountability for crew members operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.
The decision follows a recent missile attack on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which claimed the life of an Indian seafarer named Rohan Kumar and left others injured. The incident has underscored the growing dangers faced by merchant vessels in the region.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the initiative, describing it as a whole-of-government effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of Indian crew. He instructed the Directorate General of Shipping to develop a detailed vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard. This system will track essential details including vessel positions, ownership, cargo, crew numbers, welfare conditions, threat levels, planned routes, upcoming ports, and available support facilities.
The two affected tankers, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, were carrying a total of 30 Indian seafarers out of 46 crew members. One Indian lost his life on the first vessel, while another sustained injuries; on the second, nine Indians were hurt, with two in serious condition.
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During a high-level meeting involving officials from multiple ministries, the Indian Navy, and diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman, Sonowal reviewed the security situation and existing contingency plans. Measures now include continuous vessel monitoring, appointment of dedicated liaison officers for affected seafarers, and round-the-clock coordination across government agencies.
Liaison officers will act as primary points of contact for families, handling medical updates, travel arrangements, repatriation, welfare fund support, wage settlements, and other entitlements. The government is also coordinating with international missions in Iran, Oman, and the UAE for real-time advisories on navigation safety, refuge ports, medical evacuations, and investigations.
Sonowal expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries, condemning attacks on civilian merchant ships. He emphasized that Indian seafarers play a vital role in global supply chains and assured comprehensive support for affected families. The government has urged vessels in the area to conduct fresh threat assessments before proceeding and called on ship operators and recruitment agencies to ensure full compliance and informed consent from Indian crew.
A 24×7 grievance redressal system has been activated, offering assistance via toll-free helplines, WhatsApp, and email. India continues to engage with relevant international bodies to address these security challenges and uphold seafarers’ rights.
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