India Launches Seafarer First Plan After Hormuz Attacks
The Indian government has announced a comprehensive "Seafarer First" strategy to protect Indian sailors working in the conflict-affected waters of West Asia after attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz killed one Indian seafarer and injured several others. The new measures include real-time monitoring of every Indian seafarer in the region, dedicated family support, stricter voyage approvals and round-the-clock emergency assistance as tensions continue to disrupt one of the world's busiest maritime routes. The announcement followed a high-level review chaired by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi.
Seafarer First plan expands protection for Indian sailors
The review meeting brought together officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Petroleum and Chemicals, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian missions in Iran and Oman. The discussions focused on the evolving security situation after attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together carried 30 Indian seafarers among a crew of 46. One Indian sailor lost his life, while ten others were injured, including two who remain in critical condition.
Expressing condolences to the victim's family, Sonowal said there could be no compromise on the safety and security of Indian seafarers. He directed officials to ensure that every Indian working aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman is individually accounted for, regardless of the ship's flag.
Real-time vessel tracking and family assistance
The Directorate General of Shipping has been instructed to build a real-time operational dashboard covering every Indian seafarer in the affected region. The system will monitor vessel location, ownership, cargo, voyage plans, crew welfare, threat assessments and available emergency facilities.
The government will also appoint a dedicated liaison officer for every affected Indian seafarer. These officers will become the primary point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, repatriation, compensation, unpaid wages and financial assistance available through the Seafarers Welfare Fund. Indian embassies in Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates have been asked to provide verified updates on navigation safety, evacuation arrangements, hospitals and ongoing investigations.
Fresh security checks before Gulf voyages
The Shipping Ministry has directed that no vessel should sail through the affected waters without a fresh security assessment and the professional approval of the ship's master in consultation with maritime authorities. Shipowners, vessel managers and recruitment agencies must also certify that Indian crew members are not being pressured to undertake voyages without adequate information, protection or support.
Officials will continue coordinating with the Indian Navy and international maritime authorities to assess risks across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The government said these measures are intended to minimise danger while maintaining the movement of essential commercial shipping through the region.
Emergency support system activated
To strengthen assistance for seafarers and their families, the government has activated a 24×7 grievance and emergency support system. Dedicated helplines, WhatsApp assistance and email support are now available for reporting emergencies, seeking updates and requesting official assistance.
The latest measures reflect India's broader effort to protect its maritime workforce while preserving safe commercial navigation during the ongoing West Asia crisis. Officials said the response will remain focused on the welfare of Indian seafarers through close coordination between government ministries, diplomatic missions and maritime agencies. India has also condemned the attacks on civilian merchant vessels and reiterated its call for the protection of innocent seafarers and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways.
