28 Indian Vessels Stuck in Persian Gulf Amid Middle East Tensions, 778 Seafarers Onboard

India has confirmed that 28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. Officials said the ships are positioned around the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global oil and cargo shipments.

According to government officials, the vessels are divided across two sides of the strait. Twenty-four ships carrying 677 seafarers are currently located on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels with 101 crew members are positioned on the eastern side. The situation has raised concerns among maritime authorities due to the growing security risks in the region.

Authorities confirmed that the ships remain stationary due to the uncertain security environment and precautionary maritime advisories issued for the area. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, and it handles a large portion of the world’s energy shipments. Any escalation of conflict or military movement in this region can significantly impact global shipping routes.

Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Maritime agencies and Indian authorities are in constant communication with the vessels and crew members to ensure their safety. The focus remains on safeguarding Indian sailors and maintaining communication with international maritime bodies operating in the region.

The presence of Indian seafarers in the Gulf region is significant. Estimates indicate that around 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently working across vessels, ports, and transit hubs throughout the Gulf region. Among them, 1,074 sailors are serving on Indian-flagged ships. The remaining sailors are deployed on international vessels and maritime operations that regularly pass through the region.

India has one of the largest maritime workforces in the world, and Indian sailors play a major role in global shipping operations. Because of this, any instability in major shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz directly affects thousands of Indian maritime workers.

Shipping authorities are continuing to assess the security conditions in the region and coordinate with international maritime agencies to ensure safe navigation. The government is also reviewing contingency plans in case tensions escalate further or shipping lanes face temporary disruption.

For now, officials have reassured that all crew members on the affected vessels remain safe and that India is maintaining close monitoring of developments in the Persian Gulf. The situation highlights the vulnerability of global maritime routes during geopolitical tensions and the critical role of coordinated international response in protecting seafarers.