Iran blockade traps 37 Indian ships, 1,109 crew in crisis
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New Delhi: New Delhi: Following the Israel-US joint strikes, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded Indian ships in crisis. Reports indicate 37 Indian-flagged vessels are stuck in the Persian Gulf and Oman waters, with 1,109 Indian sailors aboard. The ships carry cargo worth ₹10,000 crore, and sailors warned the Directorate General of Shipping that delays could cause massive losses to the nation without urgent action. Iran has fully blocked traffic through the strait, issuing warnings of heavy attacks on any attempts to pass.
Iran has fully halted traffic through the strait, warning of heavy attacks on any attempts to pass. Ships were advised yesterday to avoid entry, with many now waiting offshore.
The ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf and Iranian waters after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz citing conflict risks. Shipping Ministry has directed vessels to maintain constant radar contact and stay linked via toll-free helpline with Delhi. Navy Ministry assured urgent facilities for sailors and swift steps to resume ship passage.
DG Shipping issued a Level-3 security alert, directing constant contact with Indian Navy and Maritime Rescue Centre. MEA and Shipping Ministry are monitoring West Asia's war situation.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, just 33 km wide at its narrowest point. It serves as the main exit route for Gulf oil and natural gas. A halt in Hormuz shipping would disrupt supply chains and spike crude oil prices. Daily, 20 million barrels of crude oil, petroleum products, and 20% of global LNG pass through it.
Ships received warnings yesterday against attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Iran aims for a full traffic blockade, reports say. Many vessels are waiting offshore without entering. A complete Hormuz shutdown would cripple Gulf cargo movement, disrupt global markets, and cause oil prices to surge sharply.
Meanwhile, considering the West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs has opened a control room. The new control room functions alongside Indian embassies.