Goa, July 1 -- Hundreds of Indian sailors who recently escaped the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz say they are reluctant to return to one of the world's busiest shipping routes after witnessing missile attacks, explosions and months of uncertainty during the Gulf conflict.

India is one of the largest suppliers of seafarers to the global merchant shipping industry, with over 3.2 lakh Indian sailors employed worldwide in 2025. When fighting between the United States and Iran intensified earlier this year, thousands of Indian mariners found themselves stranded aboard commercial vessels operating in and around the Gulf. More than 3,600 Indian sailors were later assisted by the Shipping Ministry in returning home.

Despite a temporary ceasefir...