Shipping Ministry Reviews Maritime Situation In Persian Gulf
The DGS has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight in response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas, citing missile and drone activity and electronic interference. Real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels has been initiated with increased reporting frequency and 24x7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre. Mandatory reporting protocols for vessels, owners and managers have been prescribed to improve situational awareness.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad to facilitate operational and diplomatic responses. Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. The DGS and partner agencies are providing support and assistance to affected personnel.
A dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) has been established to enable timely coordination among authorities and to facilitate prompt assistance to seafarers and their families, and helpline numbers have been activated and shared. Stakeholders have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, undertake voyage-specific risk assessments and ensure an enhanced security posture with continuous bridge watch and communication readiness. The minister affirmed that the government remains committed to extending operational, diplomatic and humanitarian support to safeguard Indian vessels and personnel and to continue coordination with domestic and international stakeholders to protect India's maritime interests.