India has reiterated that the safety and security of its vessels and seafarers remain a matter of high importance following the sinking of the Indian‑flagged mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea off Yemen earlier this week.

During a bi‑weekly briefing in New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the government attaches high priority to the issue.

He explained that Indian missions across the Gulf region are in constant contact with shipping companies, maritime authorities and other relevant agencies. He noted that 24/7 helplines are being operated to support affected individuals and their families.

Jaiswal emphasised India’s consistent call for safe and unimpeded navigation through international waterways. He underlined that the free flow of commerce must be protected and urged all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels. He added that coordination continues with the Ministry of Shipping and local authorities in West Asia and the Gulf region to safeguard Indian seafarers.

The Ministry of External Affairs had already condemned the attack on the vessel, confirming that all thirteen Indian nationals onboard, along with one Yemeni crew member, were successfully rescued.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal echoed these concerns. He described the strike as an unprovoked attack on a defenceless vessel and reaffirmed that the safety of Indian seafarers is the government’s supreme priority. He confirmed that all fourteen crew members were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought safely to the Port of Mokha.

Sonowal added that the Director General Maritime Administration has been instructed to coordinate across agencies to ensure ongoing security for Indian seafarers operating in high‑risk waters.

The incident has reignited anxieties over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al‑Mandab Strait. This narrow chokepoint connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Recent months have seen a resurgence of attacks targeting commercial vessels in the region, raising concerns over global trade and energy security.

India, as one of the largest suppliers of maritime manpower, has a direct stake in ensuring the safety of its nationals at sea. The government has already rolled out a “Seafarer‑First” program under the DGMA, which includes real‑time tracking of vessels, mandatory voyage risk assessments, ship‑shore security drills and continuous monitoring through the DG Communication Centre.

An integrated digital platform, eNavik, operational since July, enables real‑time reporting of marine casualties and security incidents. It also facilitates coordination with the Indian Navy and international maritime agencies.

The emergency response mechanism has already handled thousands of calls and emails from seafarers and their families, while repatriation efforts have brought many Indian nationals home from conflict‑affected waters.

Officials have stressed that the latest attack underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect commercial shipping. The Red Sea and adjoining waters remain volatile, with escalating risks to seafarers and global trade routes.

ANI