In a major step to safeguard Indian seafarers amid the escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia, the Centre on Tuesday launched a comprehensive "Seafarer-First" response aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of every Indian crew member operating in the region. The initiative comes in the wake of the death of Indian seafarer Rohan Kumar, who was killed after two Emirati oil tankers came under missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the government has adopted a whole-of-government approach to monitor and protect Indian seafarers serving aboard vessels in high-risk waters. Stressing that the welfare of Indian crew members remains the government's top priority, Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to establish a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard that will account for every Indian on every vessel, irrespective of the ship's flag, operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
According to the government, the digital dashboard will serve as a real-time monitoring system, providing critical operational information about vessels carrying Indian seafarers. It will include details such as vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare status, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and the availability of emergency facilities. The platform is expected to significantly enhance the government's ability to track Indian nationals at sea and coordinate swift responses during emergencies.
The move comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia, where attacks on commercial vessels have raised serious concerns over maritime security and the safety of international shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of the world's crude oil exports passes, has witnessed increased military activity and security threats in recent weeks.
Officials said the "Seafarer-First" initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that no Indian seafarer is left unaccounted for, regardless of the nationality or flag of the vessel on which they are serving. By integrating real-time tracking with welfare monitoring and threat assessments, authorities aim to improve emergency preparedness and strengthen coordination among various government agencies.
The Centre has reiterated that protecting Indian seafarers remains a priority as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global maritime trade. The new operational dashboard is expected to play a crucial role in monitoring evolving security situations and facilitating timely assistance to Indian crew members navigating high-risk waters.
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