**New Delhi Reveals Number of Indian Sailors in Troubled Waters**
In light of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government has disclosed that over 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently aboard commercial vessels operating in the region. This announcement comes amid a series of attacks on shipping in the area, raising significant concerns about the safety of these maritime professionals.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reported that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation following the death of one Indian sailor and the disappearance of another this month. The incidents have heightened fears for the safety of Indian nationals working in the Gulf, particularly as the region has seen a marked increase in maritime threats.
On September 23, an Indian sailor was killed when the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. Just ten days prior, another Indian crew member went missing after the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia was struck while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed that there have been at least 85 recorded shipping incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East region as of September 24, underscoring the growing risks faced by commercial vessels.
In response to these threats, the Indian government has implemented stricter precautions for its seafarers. Since July, shipowners and managers have been advised to refrain from deploying Indian crews on voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. Additionally, a 24-hour control room and a real-time monitoring system have been established to track vessels and crews in collaboration with the Indian Navy and other relevant agencies.
At the diplomatic level, India is taking proactive steps to enhance maritime safety. Recently, India and Liberia launched a new initiative at the United Nations called the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. This group aims to bring together approximately two dozen countries that play significant roles in shipping, vessel registration, and crew supply, in an effort to bolster maritime security.
India has emerged as the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers, with a workforce of 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafarer population, according to the 2026 BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report. This substantial contribution highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals working in international waters.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that the targeting of commercial ships and crews in international waterways is "simply unacceptable." He called for restraint, de-escalation, and the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce in the region. Despite these calls for stability, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below pre-conflict levels, with only ten commodity vessels crossing the strait on September 23, compared to a ten-day average of around 17. Prior to the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in February, approximately 125 large commercial vessels typically traversed this vital route each day.
As the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to evolve, the Indian government remains committed to safeguarding its seafarers and ensuring their safe passage through these increasingly perilous waters.