New Delhi, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that Indian missions across the Gulf region are maintaining constant coordination with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities and local agencies to ensure the safety and security of Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers amid rising tensions in the region.
Addressing the regular media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the safety of Indian sailors and commercial vessels remains a matter of high priority for the government.
“This is a subject of high importance, and we attach high priority to the issue. Our missions across the Gulf region are in constant contact with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities of these countries and other concerned agencies to provide any assistance required to our seafarers and Indian-flagged ships,” Jaiswal said.
He added that Indian missions have been operating 24×7 helplines for assistance and support, not only for seafarers but also for any other Indian citizens requiring help in the region.
“These helplines have been functioning continuously for the last several months and continue to remain operational,” he said.
The MEA spokesperson also stressed the need for safe and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways, calling upon all parties to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, commercial vessels and seafarers.
“We call upon all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure, especially commercial vessels and seafarers,” Jaiswal said.
The statement comes after an India-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank in the Red Sea off the Yemen coast earlier this week following an attack involving an explosives-laden boat.
The MEA had condemned the incident and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals onboard were rescued. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety of the crew.
Expressing concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region, the ministry said such incidents were “deeply worrisome” and called for the restoration of free and uninterrupted maritime movement in accordance with international law.
“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest,” the ministry said.
Yemen’s government-affiliated National Resistance Forces (NRF) have blamed the Houthi group for the attack on the Indian vessel.
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