The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Indian missions across the Gulf region are providing continuous support to Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers amid rising tensions affecting maritime security. The ministry said its missions are maintaining regular coordination with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities and local agencies to ensure assistance is available whenever required.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a media briefing in New Delhi, said the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers remains a high priority for the government. He stated that Indian missions in the Gulf region are in constant contact with relevant authorities and are operating 24x7 helplines to provide support to seafarers and other affected individuals.
The spokesperson said the helplines have remained operational for several months and allow Indian nationals requiring assistance to directly approach diplomatic missions. The initiative is part of India's broader efforts to safeguard maritime interests and ensure timely assistance during emergencies in strategically important waterways.
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The MEA also called for safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways and urged all parties involved in regional tensions to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly commercial vessels and seafarers. The ministry stressed that the free movement of trade and shipping must be protected in accordance with international law.
The statement comes after an India-flagged vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen following an attack by an explosives-laden boat. The MEA had condemned the incident and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals on board were rescued. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety of the crew.
The attack has increased concerns over the security of commercial shipping routes in the region. The MEA said continued attacks on commercial vessels are a matter of serious concern and called for an immediate end to such incidents. Yemen's government-affiliated National Resistance Forces have blamed the Houthi group for the attack, though the broader security situation in the region remains under close international watch.
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