New Delhi/Mumbai – Thirty-eight Indian-flagged ships, many carrying crucial cargoes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf as escalating tensions in West Asia disrupt vital shipping lanes. The disruption comes as at least five tankers have been damaged since the conflict began, with around 150 vessels now stalled around the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping authorities.
The crisis has already resulted in confirmed casualties for Indian seafarers. Officials have reported the deaths of three Indian sailors and injuries to one, all while serving aboard foreign-flagged vessels that were attacked off the coast of Oman. Approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently employed on ships operating in the conflict-affected region, making their safety a top priority for the Indian government.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal convened an emergency review meeting on Tuesday, directing officials, including the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), to prioritize the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers and the security of maritime assets. “There have been no confirmed instances of casualty, detention or boarding involving Indian-flagged vessels,” a statement released by DG Shipping confirmed.
According to DG Shipping, 24 of the stranded Indian ships are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while another 14 are positioned to the east. The incidents involving Indian seafarers occurred on vessels flying flags of other nations, officials stated.
The disruptions are already impacting global trade flows. Several container lines have suspended services to West Asia, opting to reroute vessels around the Cape of Quality Hope – a significantly longer and more expensive journey. This diversion is contributing to increased transit times, rising operational costs, and congestion at Indian ports.
Sunil Vaswani, executive director of the Container Shipping Lines Association (India), explained that while long-haul routes to the US, Europe, and the Mediterranean will continue to operate, they will now utilize the Cape of Good Hope route. “Transit time will be longer but safer,” he said. He also highlighted the immediate challenge of cargo accumulating at Indian ports. “Containers continue to approach in, creating congestion. Ports are working with us,” Vaswani added.
Port authorities have confirmed that approximately 1,000 containers are currently stuck, and are coordinating with shipping lines to expedite loading and unloading processes. Shipping companies are terminating voyages destined for the Gulf at ports like Fujairah, Sohar, and Khor Fakkan, from where cargo is being transported onward. The distance from Sohar to Dubai is approximately 170 kilometers, according to industry sources.
Exporter Sanjay Pansare reported that around 150 containers filled with perishable goods – including bananas, pomegranates, watermelons, and onions – are currently affected by the disruptions. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight as tensions continue to rise in the region.