New Delhi: The Centre is monitoring the maritime security situation in West Asia and has strengthened measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region.
On Tuesday, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister for ports, shipping and waterways, chaired a review meeting to assess the security environment in the region and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Senior government officials briefed the minister even as the situation in West Asia remained tense with Iran continuing attacks on strategic and commercial assets of the US, Israel and other nations around the Persian Gulf.
"We remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging development," Sonowal said.
It is estimated that some 23,000 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Gulf region because of the conflict. There are 37 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf with over 1,100 seafarers aboard. Of these, seven vessels belong to public sector undertaking Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).
In India, approximately 38,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) containerised cargo is currently held up at Indian ports, of which around 1,000 TEUs are perishable goods. One TEU is roughly the size of a standard shipping container. In January, the Jawaharlal Nehru port alone handled 737,682 TEUs of containers.
"Around 10 vessels are waiting and drifting at major (central government governed) ports," a senior official told ET.
The ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight in respect to Indian seafarers and Indian-flag bearing ships in response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining areas. Missiles and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security are the concerns.
Real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency is also underway along with 24x7 monitoring.
"Mandatory reporting protocols have also been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers," an official statement said, adding close coordination is being maintained with Indian Navy, the ministry of external affairs, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.
Shipping companies and recruitment and placement service licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families, the statement said.
23,000 Indian seafarers stranded in the Gulf; 37 Indian-flagged vessels in Persian Gulf
On Tuesday, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister for ports, shipping and waterways, chaired a review meeting to assess the security environment in the region and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Senior government officials briefed the minister even as the situation in West Asia remained tense with Iran continuing attacks on strategic and commercial assets of the US, Israel and other nations around the Persian Gulf.
"We remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging development," Sonowal said.
It is estimated that some 23,000 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Gulf region because of the conflict. There are 37 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf with over 1,100 seafarers aboard. Of these, seven vessels belong to public sector undertaking Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).
In India, approximately 38,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) containerised cargo is currently held up at Indian ports, of which around 1,000 TEUs are perishable goods. One TEU is roughly the size of a standard shipping container. In January, the Jawaharlal Nehru port alone handled 737,682 TEUs of containers.
"Around 10 vessels are waiting and drifting at major (central government governed) ports," a senior official told ET.
The ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight in respect to Indian seafarers and Indian-flag bearing ships in response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining areas. Missiles and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security are the concerns.
Real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency is also underway along with 24x7 monitoring.
"Mandatory reporting protocols have also been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers," an official statement said, adding close coordination is being maintained with Indian Navy, the ministry of external affairs, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.
Shipping companies and recruitment and placement service licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families, the statement said.
