The Centre has announced a real-time monitoring system for Indian seafarers after fresh attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz claimed another Indian life and left several others injured. The move aims to provide faster assistance and closer tracking of ships carrying Indian crew through one of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Directorate General of Shipping to maintain a live dashboard tracking every vessel with Indian seafarers, irrespective of its flag. Officials say the system will help authorities quickly identify ships at risk, stay in constant touch with their crews and coordinate emergency responses if the security situation worsens.
The decision follows missile strikes on two UAE-linked oil tankers transiting the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz. One Indian sailor was killed while several crew members suffered injuries, deepening concerns over the safety of thousands of Indians employed in the global shipping industry. Many of them spend months away from home, transporting essential cargo through conflict-prone waters to support their families.
India has also stepped up its diplomatic response. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over the attacks, urging an immediate halt to strikes on civilian commercial vessels and stressing the need to protect innocent seafarers caught in regional hostilities.
For the families of sailors, the government’s latest measures offer some reassurance, though anxiety remains high as tensions continue in West Asia. Shipping industry officials say constant monitoring, better communication and faster emergency coordination could significantly improve the safety of Indian crews navigating the busy maritime corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil trade, making it vital for global energy supplies. Any disruption not only threatens international commerce but also places Indian seafarers, who form one of the largest workforces in global merchant shipping, directly in harm’s way. As the regional crisis persists, authorities say protecting these men and women at sea will remain a top priority.
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