12 India-Linked Ships In Persian Gulf, Over 4,600 Indian Seafarers Under Watch Amid Rising Attacks

India is closely monitoring commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf as repeated attacks on merchant vessels raise concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers and the security of a crucial international trade route.

The Ministry of External Affairs said 12 vessels of Indian interest are currently in the Persian Gulf area west of the Strait of Hormuz. These include six India-flagged commercial ships and six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India. Around 163 Indian seafarers are aboard these 12 vessels, while more than 4,500 other Indian seafarers are working on commercial ships operating in the wider region.

The Ministry of Shipping is monitoring the movement of the vessels and the welfare of Indian crews. Indian embassies and other agencies are also coordinating assistance whenever required. India had earlier put in place vessel-by-vessel monitoring and 24-hour coordination to keep track of Indian seafarers in the affected region, irrespective of the flag under which their ships operate.

The heightened vigilance follows a series of attacks on commercial shipping across the Gulf and nearby waters. The International Maritime Organization had recorded 85 confirmed incidents in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz by September 24.

One of the latest incidents occurred on September 23, when the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. Indian sailor Suraj Yadav was killed in the incident, while the remaining crew were rescued.

Earlier, the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after which an Indian crew member went missing.

Despite the security concerns, shipping activity through Hormuz has shown some signs of recovery, with Qatar-linked LNG traffic increasing in recent days. Some vessels were carrying cargoes towards India and other Asian markets.