Our Bureau
Tehran
The war between Iran, Israel, and the US has left over 23,000 Indian seafarers stuck near the Strait of Hormuz, a key sea route for global oil. Iran closed the strait to enemy ships after US and Israeli strikes hit its nuclear sites and leaders, halting traffic and trapping 36-37 Indian ships with 1,000-1,100 crew members aboard.
These vessels carry crude oil, LPG, and cargo in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. No Indian ships are in the Red Sea, but two cross the Gulf of Aden. The blockage has spiked oil prices and rerouted ships around Africa, raising costs for India, which gets 46% of its crude oil through here.
Tragedy struck when two Indians died in a missile attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight on March 1. Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar and Dalip Singh from Rajasthan lost their lives in the engine room; 17 others were saved. Families wait anxiously as the government shares helplines.
India acts fast. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a meeting and set up a Quick Response Team. Ships now report hourly, up from every six hours, with Level-3 security in place. The Directorate General of Shipping stays in touch with crews and firms.
Iran warns it will hit any US, Israeli, or allied ships trying to pass, but says others may go free. As day six of attacks unfolds, with Iran firing drones and missiles, India watches closely. “We are ready to help our sailors,” the minister said. The crisis tests India’s sea links and sailor safety.
