The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes each day.
Several Indian Navy warships are stationed near the Persian Gulf and are on standby to assist merchant vessels heading towards India, sources confirmed on Sunday.
According to news agency ANI, sources said the warships remain ready to provide any assistance or help required by merchant vessels.
The development comes after Iranian authorities granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz to two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). One of them is the Shivalik, which, according to a vessel traffic monitoring site, was last reported in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to reach its destination by March 21.
The operation comes at a time when the region has witnessed rising maritime risks linked to the broader conflict in West Asia.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes each day.
On Friday, the Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry issued an update on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels.
The ministry said that 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers were operating in the Persian Gulf. It added that 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry stated that DG Shipping continues to coordinate with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian missions, while all Indian vessels and crew are being actively monitored. It added that since the activation of the 24-hour control room, DG Shipping has handled over 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails, and has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers.