New Delhi, July 15 -- The Centre recently unveiled a comprehensive "Seafarer First" response to protect Indian crew members working in the conflict-hit waters of West Asia after missile attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz left one Indian seafarer dead and several others injured. As part of the initiative, the government directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard that will track every Indian seafarer on ships operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the vessel's flag. The move is aimed at strengthening monitoring, improving emergency response and ensuring continuous support for Indian seafarers and their families amid rising maritime security risks in the region.
The decision came after missile attacks on oil tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa. The two vessels had a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indians. Indian seafarer Rohan Kumar was killed and another Indian was injured aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals sustained injuries, including two who remain in serious condition.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting to assess the security situation and India's preparedness. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian missions in Iran and Oman, and other maritime agencies attended the meeting.
The proposed dashboard will provide real-time details on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and the availability of facilities. Sonowal directed that every Indian seafarer in the affected region be individually accounted for, irrespective of the flag under which the vessel is operating.
The minister also ordered real-time vessel monitoring, the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for every affected Indian seafarer and round-the-clock coordination involving the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping, Indian missions in Iran and Oman, and other concerned ministries and agencies.
Expressing grief over the attacks, Sonowal condemned the targeting of civilian merchant vessels.
"India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels. These have resulted in the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers who, as key workers ensuring the proper functioning of global supply chains, are victims of irresponsible, unwarranted and uncalled-for attacks," he said.
"I am profoundly hurt and aggrieved by the unfortunate and tragic loss of one more of our brave and innocent seafarers along with the injuries suffered by others. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We shall ensure that our seafarer's families are supported and cared for. I want to assure every Indian seafarer and their family that the entire government is committed to assisting you in every possible way," Sonowal added.
Each affected Indian seafarer will be assigned a dedicated liaison officer who will act as the single point of contact for families. These officers will coordinate medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, support through the Seafarers Welfare Fund, settlement of outstanding wages, contractual benefits and other compensation.
The minister instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian missions in Iran, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and other affected countries to obtain verified information on navigational safety, coastal advisories, shipping routes, port-of-refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures, management of mortal remains and the progress of investigations.
Sonowal said India has also taken up the matter at multilateral forums of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and with the concerned flag administrations involved in the incidents, saying the attacks violated international conventions on seafarer safety and the right of innocent passage for merchant vessels.
He further directed that every vessel transiting the conflict-affected region undergo a fresh threat assessment before sailing, with voyages proceeding only after the ship master's professional judgement and coordination with maritime authorities. Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence agencies employing Indian seafarers have also been asked to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian crew member is being compelled to sail without adequate information, protection and support.
The government has also activated a 24x7 grievance support system through domestic and international toll-free helplines, WhatsApp and email to assist Indian seafarers and their families during the crisis.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.