Emphasizing the welfare of seafarers amid the escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia, the Center on Tuesday launched a comprehensive response under the slogan ‘Seas First’ which will represent every Indian on every ship, regardless of their flag, operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
This announcement comes after an Indian sailor was identified Rohan Kumar was killed after two UAE oil tankers came under a missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the initiative adopts a whole-of-government approach to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian crew members at sea.
He directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to establish a comprehensive ship-by-ship operational control panel for every Indian on every ship, regardless of its flag, operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
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The dashboard will provide real-time information on ship location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew well-being, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and facility availability, according to the government press release.
Why this initiative?
This move comes amid an escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia after attacks on two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Together, MT Bahia and MT Mombasa carried 30 Indian sailors in a crew of 46. An Indian sailor was killed and another injured on board MT Bahia, while nine Indian nationals were injured on MT Mombasa, including two who remain in serious condition.
In a meeting attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, Indian Missions in Iran and Oman and other maritime agencies, Sonowal reviewed the security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, and emergency measures taken by India for Indian seafarers.
As part of the response, he ordered real-time monitoring of ships, appointed liaison officers for each affected Indian seafarer, and managed round-the-clock coordination between the concerned ministries, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), and the Indian missions in Iran and Oman.
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Sonowal expresses his sadness
Sonowal expressed sadness over the attacks and condemned the targeting of civilian commercial ships, saying the government would provide all possible support to the affected sailors and the families of the dead and injured.
“India has expressed its strong dissatisfaction and objection to the manner of attacks on defenseless civilian merchant vessels. This has led to the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers, who, as key workers ensuring the smooth functioning of global supply chains, have been caused by these irresponsible, unprovoked and unprovoked attacks.”
“I am deeply hurt and deeply saddened by the unfortunate and tragic loss of another one of our brave and innocent sailors as well as the injuries inflicted on others in the two attacks that took place today. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and my prayers to the Indian sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We will ensure that the families of the sailors are supported and taken care of. I want to assure every Indian sailor and their families that the entire government is committed to helping you in all possible ways and at any cost,” he added.
Dedicated contact person for affected families
A dedicated liaison officer will be assigned to each Indian seafarer affected by the crisis to ensure continued assistance to the affected families.
Read also: India condemns the killing of a sailor in Hormuz and strongly protests with Iran: “It is deeply concerned”
Each liaison officer will serve as a single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documents, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, wages owed, contractual benefits and other compensation, according to the release.
Coordination with Indian missions at the international level
The Minister directed the officials to coordinate with the Indian missions in Iran, Oman, UAE, other affected countries and the Ministry of External Affairs to obtain real-time information on navigational safety, coastal advisory, shipping routes, port of refuge arrangements, medical evacuation, repatriation, management of mortal remains and status of ongoing investigations.
“The Government of India has reached out to all multilateral forums of the International Maritime Organization as well as representatives of the relevant flag administration involved in the multiple incidents that are inconsistent with international conventions and the basic requirements for security and safety of seafarers and protection of the right of innocent passage of commercial vessels. We will continue to make every effort to ensure resolution of the issues and remain committed to all stakeholders at this difficult and challenging time,” Sonowal said.
Ships to coordinate with maritime authorities
Sonowal directed that every ship transiting the conflict-affected area undertake a new threat assessment, with voyages not to continue except after the professional judgment of the ship’s captain and in coordination with the relevant maritime authorities.
It also asked shipowners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Services Licensing (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers in the region to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian crew member was forced to sail without adequate information, protection and support.
The government has also activated a 24/7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families. Help is available through local and international toll-free helplines, WhatsApp, and email.
Sonowal reiterated that the government’s response will continue to be ‘seafarers first’, with coordinated efforts across ministries and maritime agencies to protect Indian seafarers and ensure uninterrupted movement of global trade through the region.
