India has started a priority operation to move 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions continue across the Gulf region. The government has launched the effort to safeguard Indian seafarers and protect the country's commercial shipping interests amid ongoing uncertainty in one of the world's most important maritime corridors.

The operation involves close coordination between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian diplomatic missions, and various maritime stakeholders.

At the same time, the MEA has advised Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those already in the country to leave with assistance from the Indian Embassy.

Government Prepares Coordinated Evacuation Plan

Speaking on Friday, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said authorities have developed a coordinated strategy to assist Indian vessels currently operating in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.

He said the government's immediate focus is on ensuring the safe movement of ships currently present in the region. “Our priority is to get our ships out that are currently inside,” Sharma said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's busiest energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Continued tensions in the Gulf have increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping passing through the waterway.

Thirteen Indian-Flagged Vessels Operating in the Region

According to Sharma, around 13 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The fleet includes:

• One LPG tanker
• Five crude oil tankers
• One chemical or product tanker
• Three container ships
• Two bulk carriers
• One dredger

Despite the challenging situation, India has continued to monitor and manage vessel movements through the region while prioritising crew safety.

Crude Oil Tanker Safely Completes Transit

Sharma also confirmed the safe transit of the crude oil tanker Nissos Keros through the Strait of Hormuz during the night of May 25-26. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel is carrying approximately 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on June 3. He noted that the ship is operated entirely by foreign crew members and completed its passage without any reported issues.

Indian Seafarers Remain Safe

Government officials said all Indian seafarers working in the region remain safe. Sharma confirmed that authorities have not received any reports of incidents involving Indian crew members serving on either Indian-flagged or foreign-flagged merchant vessels operating in Gulf waters. The government continues to maintain close contact with shipping companies, vessel operators and Indian missions to monitor the situation.

Emergency Control Room Handles Thousands of Requests

The Directorate General of Shipping's emergency control room has been actively assisting seafarers and their families since its activation. According to officials, the facility has handled more than 10,800 phone calls and over 24,098 emails.

In the past 96 hours alone, the control room received around 500 calls and 1,332 emails from seafarers, family members and maritime stakeholders seeking assistance and information. The high volume of communication reflects growing concern among those connected to maritime operations in the Gulf region.

Thousands of Indian Seafarers Repatriated

The government has also continued efforts to bring Indian seafarers home safely. Sharma said authorities have facilitated the repatriation of more than 3,422 Indian seafarers from various locations across the Gulf region.

Of those, 47 seafarers returned to India during the last 96 hours alone. The ongoing operation remains focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian maritime workers amid regional tensions.

Port Operations Continue Normally

Despite concerns surrounding shipping activity in the Gulf, officials said port operations across India remain unaffected. Sharma confirmed that Indian ports are functioning normally and that no congestion has been reported. The government continues to monitor developments closely while maintaining uninterrupted maritime and trade operations.