Amid the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, the Government of India confirmed that one Indian-flagged vessel has successfully moved through the Strait of Hormuz, while 27 other Indian ships remain in the conflict-affected waters with more than 700 Indian sailors onboard. Officials also said that three Indian seafarers have died and one remains missing during the escalation of hostilities in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes, has become a major point of concern for governments and maritime companies as tensions rise in the Middle East.
Rajesh K Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said the government is closely monitoring Indian vessels operating in and around the strait. He confirmed that one Indian-flagged vessel had moved away from the strait earlier in the day.
According to Sinha, the vessel was already positioned east of the strait and therefore did not need to pass through the narrow channel. He added that the ship is not headed toward India but is currently sailing toward Africa.
Officials emphasised that every Indian vessel in the region is under constant monitoring and that authorities are coordinating with shipping companies to ensure the safety of crews and cargo.
Providing an overview of maritime activity in the region, Sinha said that 27 Indian-flagged ships remain near the Strait of Hormuz with more than 700 Indian seafarers onboard.
He explained that 24 of these vessels are currently located west of the strait inside the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 677 Indian crew members. On the eastern side of the strait, in the Gulf of Oman, three Indian-flagged ships remain with 76 Indian sailors onboard after one tanker departed the area earlier.
Sinha also highlighted the broader presence of Indian maritime workers across the Gulf region, noting that approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers are employed on various vessels including merchant ships and offshore service vessels.
The Directorate General of Shipping remains in continuous contact with these workers through their employment agencies to ensure their safety and provide assistance if required.
According to the Shipping Ministry, standard operating procedures have been issued to ports across India to improve coordination with shipping lines. Authorities have also prioritised liquefied petroleum gas carriers at Indian ports to ensure fuel supply chains remain stable.
Officials confirmed that the crisis has already led to casualties involving Indian citizens. Sinha said three Indian nationals have died due to the escalation in the region, and one person remains missing.
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that two Indian citizens died in Muscat. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences to their families and identified the victims as Aseem R Mahajan and Suhas.
To assist Indians affected by the crisis in West Asia, the government has established a dedicated control room. Jaiswal said the facility was set up on March 4 and has received hundreds of requests from citizens seeking assistance or information.
According to the MEA, the control centre has handled around 900 phone calls and approximately 200 emails so far, although the volume of requests has gradually declined.
India is also maintaining diplomatic engagement with regional governments to safeguard its citizens and energy interests. Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the Iranian leadership to express concern about the safety of Indians in the region.
He added that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also held discussions with Iran’s foreign minister regarding the situation.
The conflict has also complicated air travel across parts of West Asia. According to the MEA, airspace in Kuwait and Iraq has been closed due to the crisis. Authorities are currently facilitating the return of Indian citizens through alternative routes, including transit via Saudi Arabia.
Despite concerns about energy supply disruptions caused by the tensions, government officials said India’s petroleum availability remains stable.
Sujatha Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said refineries across the country have sufficient crude oil stocks and fuel distribution systems are functioning normally.
She stated that petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, kerosene and fuel oil are available in adequate quantities and that retail outlets across India remain well stocked.
Officials noted that there are currently more than 101,000 petrol pumps operating across the country and fuel supplies remain stable. The government has advised citizens not to store petrol or diesel unnecessarily.
However, Sharma acknowledged that demand for LPG cylinders has increased significantly due to public anxiety linked to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, bookings have surged to around 75.7 lakh refills, largely driven by precautionary or panic ordering.
Despite the spike in demand, officials said no supply centre in the country has reported running out of LPG cylinders. The government has urged citizens to book cylinders only when required and avoid panic purchases.
Authorities have also directed state governments to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. District magistrates and police officials have been asked to monitor illegal sales and enforce regulations.
Officials said chief ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have already issued directives to curb black marketing of cooking gas.
Domestic LPG supply to households and hospitals is continuing without disruption. To reduce pressure on cylinder demand, authorities are encouraging households that have piped natural gas connections to use Piped Natural Gas where available.
Sharma added that LPG production has been increased significantly, with output now about 30 percent higher than it was on March 5.
Even as tensions continue in the Persian Gulf, government officials said they will maintain close monitoring of maritime activity, energy supply chains and the safety of Indian citizens in the region.
