**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is enhancing monitoring and security measures for Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf due to evolving maritime security threats. A key outcome of a recent review meeting was the establishment of a Quick Response Team and a 24x7 monitoring center to address these concerns and ensure timely assistance.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Enhanced Maritime Security Monitoring:**
* The MoPSW is closely monitoring the maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf.
* Precautionary measures have been strengthened to safeguard Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers.
* **Activated Monitoring and Security Oversight:**
* The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight for Indian Seafarers and Indian Flag ships.
* This action is in response to reported threats including missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and adjoining areas.
* **Real-time Tracking and Reporting:**
* Initiated real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency.
* Established a 24x7 monitoring center (MMDAC DGComm Centre).
* Mandatory reporting protocols have been prescribed for vessels, owners, and managers.
* **Coordination and Support Mechanisms:**
* A dedicated Quick Response Team has been set up for timely coordination and immediate response to emerging situations.
* Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC, and Indian missions abroad.
* Helpline numbers have been activated and shared with families of seafarers.
* All necessary support and assistance are being extended to affected seafarers and their families.
* **Stakeholder Guidance and Advice:**
* Licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
* Stakeholders are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments.
* Vessels operating in the region are directed to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch.
* Continuous communication readiness is required, and suspicious activity must be reported immediately.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Seafarers and Families**
* **Impact**: Increased risk due to evolving maritime threats in the Persian Gulf. Their safety and well-being are a primary concern.
* **Action Required**: Families of seafarers will receive support and assistance through activated helpline numbers. Seafarers are advised to maintain communication with their families.
**Indian-Flagged Vessels and Owners/Managers**
* **Impact**: Potential exposure to threats such as missile and drone activity, and electronic interference. Increased reporting requirements.
* **Action Required**: Vessels must maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report suspicious activity immediately. Owners and managers must adhere to mandatory reporting protocols.
**Relevant Government Ministries and Agencies (e.g., MoPSW, Indian Navy, MEA, IFC-IOR, MRCC)**
* **Impact**: Increased need for coordination and enhanced security oversight in the region.
* **Action Required**: Maintain close coordination, actively monitor the situation, provide necessary operational, diplomatic, and humanitarian support, and respond swiftly to emerging developments.
**Shipping Companies and Licensees**
* **Impact**: Need to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain communication.
* **Action Required**: Advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The primary government ministry responsible for maritime affairs and security, initiating the review and actions.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who chaired the key meeting and is a central figure in the policy's articulation.
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): A department within the MoPSW that has implemented enhanced monitoring and security oversight for Indian vessels and seafarers.
Quick Response Team: A newly established team to ensure timely coordination and immediate response to emerging maritime risks for Indian seafarers.
Persian Gulf: The central geographic location where the maritime security situation is being reviewed and monitored due to evolving risks.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shipping Ministry Reviews Maritime Situation in
Persian Gulf; Enhanced Monitoring to Safeguard
Indian Vessels & Seafarers
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Chairs Key Meet to
Assess Security of Seafarers and Maritime Assets in the
Persian Gulf
Quick Response Team set up for Safeguarding Indian
Seafarers Amid Evolving Maritime Risks
Posted On: 03 MAR 2026 7:32PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is closely monitoring the evolving maritime
security situation in the Persian Gulf and has strengthened precautionary measures to safeguard Indian-
flagged vessels and Indian seafarers operating in the region.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review
meeting today to assess the prevailing security environment in the Persian Gulf and examine its
implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
During the meeting, the Director General of Shipping briefed the minister on the prevailing situation in the
region and on current status of Indian Flag Ships and Indian seafarers in the region.
Speaking after the meeting, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “We are closely monitoring
the evolving situation and have activated all necessary precautionary, monitoring and coordination
mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of our seafarers and the security of our maritime assets. We
remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond
swiftly to any emerging development.”
The Ministry through Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has activated enhanced monitoring and
security oversight in respect to Indian Seafarers and Indian Flag ships in response to reported threats in the
Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas, including missile and drone
activity, electronic interference and other maritime security concerns.
The Ministry through DGS has also initiated real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased
reporting frequency, and established 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre. Mandatory
reporting protocols have also been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the
Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
(MRCC) and Indian missions abroad. Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement ServiceLicensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment and maintain regular communication
with seafarers and their families.
The Directorate, IFC-IOR, and other agencies are coordinating closely to ensure their safety and well-
being. All necessary support and assistance are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families.
A dedicated Quick Response Team has been set up to enable timely coordination among authorities,
ensure immediate response to emerging situations and facilitate prompt assistance to Indian seafarers and
their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated and shared with families of Seafarers through
RPSLs.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk
assessments. Vessels operating in the region have been directed to maintain an enhanced security posture
and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness and report suspicious activity immediately.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India stands firmly with its
seafarers and maritime stakeholders. The ministry remains prepared to extend all necessary operational,
diplomatic and humanitarian support to safeguard Indian vessels and personnel and will continue active
coordination with domestic and international stakeholders to protect India’s maritime interests.”
***
PN/IY
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