Some 20,000 Indian seafarers caught in Gulf tensions, mariners' body warns
India's mariners' organisations have warned that around 20,000 Indian seafarers are stranded or facing transit disruptions in the Gulf because of the conflict. The government is reviewing emergency evacuation protocols.
Indian mariners' associations have flagged that ongoing Gulf hostilities are now affecting roughly 20,000 Indian seafarers. The figure covers crew aboard tankers stranded or rerouted around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as those waiting in ports across the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Representatives of the Mariners' Association of India said insurers had introduced 'war-zone' surcharges on many routes, complicating crew rotations. Some seafarers are being forced to extend sea contracts beyond the six-month limit; the industry has asked the Indian navy to provide protection for crew-change operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it was reviewing emergency evacuation protocols. Officials noted that an Operation Kaveri-style mission could be launched if needed, but stressed that the main objective remains to secure the safe return of seafarers through diplomatic channels rather than through a large-scale military operation.
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