A total of sixty-two vessels carrying India-bound cargo have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, according to Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

He informed the Lok Sabha on 7 August that these transits were completed safely as of 3 August, despite the ongoing regional instability.

Of the sixty-two vessels, twenty-three were Indian-flagged, while thirty-nine were foreign-flagged. This highlights the scale of India’s reliance on both domestic and international shipping operators to maintain the flow of essential cargo through one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.

The minister also confirmed that 4,052 Indian seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf region. This large-scale evacuation effort underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals working in maritime sectors during the crisis.

Sonowal emphasised that the government has maintained close and continuous contact with the families of affected seafarers. Immediate financial support of ten lakh rupees has been released through the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society to assist families impacted by the disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. Shipping traffic in the region has been severely affected following the blockade of the Strait after the outbreak of the US-Iran war.

The situation has placed immense pressure on international shipping and energy markets, with India’s proactive measures ensuring that its vessels and seafarers remain safeguarded.

India’s maritime control room continues to operate on a twenty-four-hour basis, monitoring vessels and seafarers in real time. This mechanism has been crucial in coordinating safe transits and facilitating repatriation efforts.

The developments highlight India’s ability to manage maritime security challenges in one of the most volatile regions of the world. By ensuring safe vessel passage, repatriating thousands of seafarers, and providing financial aid to families, the government has demonstrated a comprehensive response program to protect national interests and human welfare amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Agencies