Union Minister SarbanandaSonowal Orders ‘Seafarer-First’ Response as India IntensifiesMaritime Vigil in West Asia

Union Minister Sarbananda
Sonowal Orders ‘Seafarer-First’
Response as India Intensifies
Maritime Vigil in West Asia

“Deepest Condolences to the Family of the Deceased Seafarer; Wishing the Injured a Speedy Recovery”: Sarbananda Sonowal

Dedicated Liaison Officer for every affected Indian seafarer; Sonowal orders vessel-by-vessel monitoring & 24×7 coordination across Gulf waters

“Every Indian Seafarer in the Affected Region Will Be Individually Accounted For, Irrespective of the Vessel’s Flag”: Sarbananda Sonowal

NEW DELHI, July 14: Amidst the escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia following attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz,
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda
Sonowal launched a comprehensive ‘Seafarer-First’ response, directing an
unprecedented whole-of-government approach to safeguard every Indian
seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region.

Chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting here today, Sonowal
ordered real-time vessel-by-vessel monitoring, the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for every affected Indian seafarer and round-the-clock coordination by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), in association with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum &
Natural Gas (MoPNG), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, the Indian Navy,
the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Indian Missions in Iran and
Oman.

The review assumes significance following the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The two vessels together carried 30 Indian seafarers among a combined crew of 46. One Indian seafarer lost his life while another sustained injuries aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals were injured, including two who remain
seriously injured.

Sonowal chaired the meeting where the Union Minister of State for MoPSW,
Shantanu Thakur along with senior officials from MoPSW, MEA, the Indian
Navy, DG of Shipping, Indian Embassies of Iran and Oman along with other
key maritime agencies reviewed the evolving security environment across the
Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, assessed risks facing Indian
seafarers and evaluated India’s contingency and emergency response
mechanisms.

Expressing profound grief over the tragedy, Sarbananda Sonowal said, ”India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels. These have resulted in the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers who, as key workers ensuring the proper functioning of global supply chains, due to these irresponsible, unwarranted and uncalled-for attacks.

I am profoundly hurt and aggrieved by the unfortunate and tragic loss of one more of our brave and innocent seafarer
along with the injuries suffered by others in today’s two attacks.

I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayers to the Indian seafarer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We shall ensure that our seafarer’s families are supported and cared for.

I want to assure every Indian seafarer and their family that the entire Government is committed to assist you in every possible way, and at all costs.”

As part of the government’s enhanced response, Sonowal directed the
Director General of Shipping (DGS) to establish a comprehensive vessel-byvessel operational dashboard to account for every Indian on every vessel,
irrespective of their flags, operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and
Gulf of Oman.

The dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel position,
ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended
voyage, next port of call and the availability of facilities.

The Minister categorically directed that every Indian seafarer in the affected
region must be individually accounted for, irrespective of the vessel’s flag.

Emphasising that the welfare of seafarers remains paramount, Sonowal
observed that there can be no compromise whatsoever on the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

To ensure uninterrupted assistance to affected families, Sonowal directed that
a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for every Indian seafarer impacted by
the crisis.

Each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations.

The Minister directed officials to work closely with Indian Missions in Iran,
Oman and the United Arab Emirates, and other affected nations in the region,
alongside the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to obtain verified and realtime information relating to navigational safety, coastal-state advisories, route
status, port-of-refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation,
repatriation procedures, mortal remains management and the status of
ongoing investigations.

“The Government of India has communicated with all the multilateral forum of the IMO and also with the representatives of the concerned flag administration involved in the multiple incidents that contravened
international conventions and fundamental requirement of seafarer’s security and safety and protection of right of innocent passage for merchant vessels.

We will continue to make every effort to ensure resolution of the issues and
remain committed to all stakeholders in this trying and challenging time,” said
Sarbananda Sonowal.

Every vessel movement through the affected region, the Minister directed,
must be undertaken only after a fresh threat assessment, the professional
judgement of the ship’s Master and close coordination with competent
maritime authorities.

Sonowal also directed the Ministry that shipowners, vessel managers and
Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies employing
Indian seafarers in the region to immediately furnish compliance reports and confirmation that no Indian seafarer is being compelled to sail without
adequate information, protection and support.

A 24X7 Grievance Support system has been activated where concerns can be
addressed to. The domestic toll free number is 1800-889-7768 while
International Toll Free number is +1-888-988-0256. One can also send a
message on WhatsApp to +91 8655856830 or email to enavik.24×7@gov.in.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal reaffirmed that the Government’s response would remain firmly seafarer-first, with coordinated efforts across ministries and maritime agencies to protect Indian lives, uphold international maritime law and ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade through one of the world’s most strategically important sea lanes.