MoPSW Strengthens Monitoring and Preparedness Amid Evolving West Asia Maritime Situation

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is strengthening monitoring and preparedness to safeguard Indian seafarers, vessels, and maritime trade amid the evolving West Asia maritime situation. A high-level inter-ministerial meeting reviewed the situation, leading to the establishment of a 24-hour helpline and a monitoring mechanism by the Directorate General of Shipping. Key advisories were issued on February 28, 2026, with a deadline for compliance with reporting protocols by DGS Circular 08 of 2024. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Enhanced Monitoring and Preparedness** * MoPSW has strengthened monitoring and preparedness measures in response to the evolving maritime situation in the West Asia region. * The focus is on safeguarding Indian seafarers, ensuring the safety of Indian vessels, and maintaining the continuity of maritime trade. * A high-level inter-ministerial review meeting was convened to assess the situation. * A 24-hour helpline has been established at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) for seafarer support. * A monitoring mechanism is in place at MoPSW to track developments. * Indian-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden are being continuously tracked. * Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms are activated for Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers. * **Advisories and Compliance** * DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026 (dated February 28, 2026) outlines precautionary measures to safeguard Indian seafarers, Indian-flagged vessels, and maritime trade operations. * All Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers are directed to adopt enhanced security measures. * Strict compliance with reporting protocols under DGS Circular 08 of 2024 is mandated. * Crew Safety Advisory (DGS Circular No. 09 of 2026, dated February 28, 2026) issued urgent instructions to Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders. * Instructions include registration with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and submission of crew details to the Directorate. * **Trade Operations and Support** * Major ports are directed to assist trade operations and provide relief to exporters. * Overall port operations across India remain stable. * Ports are to extend necessary assistance to minimize hardships for exporters and ensure EXIM trade continuity. * Major ports have implemented operational measures, including continuous monitoring of vessel movements and real-time assessment of regional developments. * Additional storage space is arranged where needed, and refrigerated/perishable cargo is being closely monitored for priority handling. * **Risk Mitigation for Shipping Entities** * Shipping companies, vessel operators, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) are advised to exercise caution in crew deployment in sensitive regions. * Voyage-specific risk assessments should be undertaken. * Regular communication with seafarers and their families is to be maintained. * Dedicated coordination mechanisms are in place to facilitate timely assistance to Indian seafarers. **Impact Analysis** * **Indian Seafarers** * **Impact:** Enhanced safety and security measures are being implemented to protect them in the West Asia region. They are provided with a 24-hour helpline for support and have urgent instructions regarding registration and reporting. * **Action Required:** Adopt enhanced security measures, strictly comply with reporting protocols (DGS Circular 08 of 2024), register with the Embassy of India, Tehran, and submit crew details to the Directorate. * **Indian-flagged Vessels** * **Impact:** Increased monitoring and enhanced security measures are in place to ensure their safety and operational continuity. * **Action Required:** Adopt enhanced security measures and comply with reporting protocols. * **Shipping Companies and Vessel Operators** * **Impact:** Advised to exercise caution in crew deployment, conduct risk assessments, and maintain communication with seafarers. They are part of the enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms. * **Action Required:** Exercise caution in crew deployment in sensitive regions, undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. * **Exporters** * **Impact:** Major ports are directed to provide assistance to minimize hardships and ensure the continuity of EXIM trade. * **Action Required:** Receive necessary assistance from major ports to ensure trade continuity. * **Major Ports** * **Impact:** Required to implement operational measures, monitor vessel movements, assess regional developments, and manage cargo and storage. * **Action Required:** Assist trade operations, provide relief to exporters, implement continuous monitoring of vessel movements, conduct real-time assessment of developments, and arrange for additional storage and priority handling of perishable cargo. * **Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)** * **Impact:** Has established a 24-hour helpline and is overseeing the implementation of advisories and reporting protocols. * **Action Required:** Provide coordination and support through the 24-hour helpline and manage reporting from stakeholders.

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