NEW DELHI : According to sources, the escalating Middle East conflict has left dozens of vessels unable to move through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported. The disruption began after US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, prompting Tehran to respond by blocking the narrow shipping corridor.
As a result, at least 36 Indian-flagged ships remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. These vessels are primarily transporting crude oil, commercial cargo, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Seven of the stranded ships belong to the state-run Shipping Corporation of India.
Officials say that at least 1,074 Indian crew members are currently on board the 36 vessels caught in the affected waters. Of these ships, 12 are located east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman, while 24 remain on the western side within the Persian Gulf.
The situation has turned increasingly dangerous as attacks on oil tankers continue to be reported in the region. Two Indian seafarers, identified as Ashish Kumar and Dalip Singh, were killed in a strike on a Palau-flagged oil tanker named Skylight in the Gulf of Oman.
Authorities confirmed that no Indian-flagged ships are currently present in the turbulent Red Sea, although two vessels are in transit across the Gulf of Aden.
In response to the crisis, the Indian government has intensified monitoring of ships operating in high-risk waters. Vessel check-ins, previously conducted every six hours, are now monitored hourly to ensure crew safety. Officials are also maintaining constant communication with the stranded seafarers.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess the evolving situation in the Persian Gulf. During the meeting, the Director General of Shipping briefed the minister on the status of Indian-flagged vessels and the safety of crew members.
The government has also established a dedicated Quick Response Team to coordinate emergency support and ensure timely assistance to Indian seafarers. Additionally, helpline numbers have been activated and shared with the families of sailors to provide updates and support during the crisis.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has trapped 36 Indian-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf, endangering 1,074 Indian seafarers. The Strait of Hormuz blockade, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted a vital oil route. The Indian government is intensifying monitoring and has set up a Quick Response Team to ensure the safety of its nationals.