The Indian government has introduced new measures to support seafarers amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Following the death of another Indian crew member in the US-Iran tensions, officials announced an operational dashboard to monitor all Indian nationals on vessels worldwide, irrespective of the ship’s flag. Additionally, a dedicated liaison officer will be assigned to each affected seafarer or their family in cases of injury or fatality, serving as the primary contact point.
These steps were decided during a meeting led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, shortly after attacks on two oil tankers carrying Indian crew. Ministry sources indicate that nine Indian seafarers have been killed, one is missing and presumed dead, and seven injured since the crisis began. There have been 29 attacks on ships with Indian personnel, including four Indian-flagged vessels.
