Speaking at a special ministerial media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are in discussion with Iran for safe passage of our ships.”
With tensions disrupting maritime traffic, the Indian Navy has deployed two task forces of warships in the North Arabian Sea and around the Strait of Hormuz to escort merchant vessels and oil tankers.
Officials said that escort operations began last week, warships are accompanying vessels through vulnerable stretches and the deployment is aimed at ensuring safe transit of crude oil and gas cargo to India
The move comes as 22 Indian ships remain in the region, carrying critical energy supplies. According to sources the operations are similar in scale to earlier missions like anti-piracy deployments, with a focus on protecting India’s energy lifelines.
There has already been some relief, with an LPG carrier successfully reaching Gujarat after being escorted through the high-risk zone.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Petroleum Ministry, said, “Domestic LPG production has increased by 40% and the retail outlets haven’t seen any dry out.”
However, she cautioned, “The LPG issue is still worrisome,” citing long queues despite improvements in delivery.
Providing details, officials said that 22 ships and 611 seafarers are currently in the region; Ships carry 3.2 LMT LPG, 2 LMT LNG and 16.7 LMT crude oil.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, said, “All Indian ships and seafarers are safe and there have been no incidents.”
Diplomatic Push
India is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease the situation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held talks with Iranian authorities, signalling a preference for a negotiated resolution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with leaders of the United Arab Emirates. The government said, “Prime Minister reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civil infrastructure. The two leaders agreed to work together for the early restoration of peace.”
Indian Students
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Tehran is assisting citizens on the ground.
“India Embassy at Tehran is helping Indians stuck in Iran. Request that people should follow the advisory issued by Embassy,” MEA officials said.
Additional Secretary Aseem R Mahajan added, “Our missions and posts across the region are functioning round the clock… issuing updated advisories.”
He noted a “marked decline in the calls and queries”, indicating that many urgent cases have been addressed. He also confirmed relocation of Indian students from Tehran and Shiraz to safer areas.
Adding, “We have made special efforts to address welfare of students in the Gulf region. Our missions have been in regular coordination with the schools in the region and the CBSE. Earlier, the 10th standard exams were cancelled, and this Sunday, it was announced that the 12 standard exams also stand cancelled.”
ICSE and Kerala Board exams are also cancelled. The respective boards would announce a formulation and determination of marks in these cases.
Indians Return
On evacuations and travel, the MEA said over 2.60 lakh passengers have returned to India since February 28.
Flight operations are stabilising:
- On March 17, around 70 flights operated
- March 18 around 75 flights are expected expected to operate from various airports in UAE to different destinations in India
- More than 50 flights operating daily since March 5…
- Flights from the UAE continue on a limited, non-scheduled basis.
