MEA says 11 Indian-Flagged vessels still stranded in Persian Gulf

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that several Indian-flagged vessels remain in the Persian Gulf region amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy and shipping route.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 11 Indian-flagged ships are still present in the Persian Gulf, while 14 vessels have already successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached India.

He added that the situation has caused delays for multiple ships carrying essential cargo, including crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which are critical to India’s energy supply chain.

According to the MEA, India has also assisted in the safe movement of stranded vessels and ensured the return of seafarers wherever possible, highlighting ongoing diplomatic coordination to manage maritime risks in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, with a significant portion of India’s crude oil and LPG imports passing through it. Any disruption in the region is considered a major risk for energy security and global supply chains.

Officials noted that India continues to monitor the situation closely due to its strategic dependence on Gulf energy imports and the large number of Indian seafarers operating in the region.