Additional Minister (Gulf) Asim Mahajan told an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi that Indian missions in the region are working round the clock to assist affected nationals and coordinate with local authorities.
Indian ships Shivalik and Nanda Devi transit Hormuz bound for Gujarat port amid LPG crisis
“Five of our Indians lost their lives and one is missing in the earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq and the UAE remain in touch with the relevant authorities on the issue of missing Indian nationals and hope to repatriate the remains of the deceased at the earliest after completing necessary formalities,” Mahajan said.
The mission works around the clock in conflict-affected areas
Mahajan said that as conflicts continue to disrupt travel, shipping and daily life in parts of the Middle East, Indian missions remain open around the clock and actively engaged in all aid efforts.He said the Ministry of External Affairs, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, was extending all support to Indian seafarers in the region.Mahajan said that for Indian nationals from Bahrain and Kuwait, who currently do not have direct flights, authorities are helping with visa extensions and transit visas to enable them to return to India via Saudi Arabia.
Latest updates on Oman and Safesea Vishnu events
Giving an update on the attack in Oman’s Sohar city, Mahajan said two Indians were killed and 10 others injured, but none of the injured were reported to be serious.“Our mission has been on the ground providing all assistance and is in touch with the relevant authorities in Oman, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two late Indian nationals to India,” he said, according to news agency ANI.Regarding the Safesea Vishnu incident, Mahajan said officials were working on the early return of the 15 crew members, who had been safely evacuated and were currently staying in a hotel in Basra, Iraq.“They are also working with the relevant authorities to bring the body of the Indian national back to India at the earliest,” he added, according to ANI.
Two Indian LPG carriers pass through Strait of Hormuz
At the same press conference, Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are currently carrying about 92,700 metric tons of LPG to India.The two vessels crossed the conflict-affected narrow channel early on Saturday, taking the number of Indian vessels that have safely passed through the strait to three.Shivalik is expected to arrive at Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi is likely to dock at Kandla on March 17.The cargoes are considered critical as transport disruptions affect LPG supplies. India imports about 60% of its LPG needs, of which 85-90% is imported from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through the Strait of Hormuz.
More Indian ships still on standby
Despite the breakthrough, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded on the western side of the strait and three more remain stranded on the eastern side.The 22 ships on the west side have 611 seafarers, and the 3 ships on the east side have 76 seafarers. These include LPG ships, LNG carriers, crude oil tankers, container ships, bulk carriers and other cargo ships.“Several of our ships remain on standby in the Gulf. We recommend continuing to maintain contact and coordination with all relevant countries to ensure their safe and unhindered transit and work towards ensuring our energy security,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the briefing.The developments come as the war in the Middle East enters its 15th day, with fighting continuing and concerns over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and growing worries about global energy supplies and regional security.