Measures Taken by Government of India Considering Security Situation in West Asia

 

By

Dr. Somita Chakraborty


Considering the evolving security situation in the West Asia and Gulf Region, different ministries of the Government of India took some significant measures. As India’s economic growth is highly dependent on continuous flow of shipment through the waterways around this region, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has already introduced precautionary measures to safeguard Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers operating in the region.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting to assess the ongoing security situation in the Persian Gulf as well as to examine its implications on Indian maritime assets and personnel.

In response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security concerns, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has activated keen monitoring and security oversight for Indian Seafarers and Indian Flag ships.

Through DGS, the Ministry has also initiated real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels, increased reporting frequency and established 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre. It also prescribed mandatory reporting protocols for vessels, owners and managers.

The Ministry is also maintaining close coordination with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad to ensure safety and well-being of seafarers. All necessary support and assistance are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families.

Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees have also been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment. They are also advised to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated and shared with families of Seafarers through RPSLs.

According to PIB statement, the Ministry have been advised to all Stakeholders to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments. Vessels operating in the region have been directed to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness and report suspicious activity immediately.

After the meeting, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have activated all necessary precautionary, monitoring and coordination mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of our seafarers and the security of our maritime assets. We remain in constant touch with relevant national and international agencies and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging development.’ He also said that, India stands firmly with its seafarers and maritime stakeholders. ‘The ministry remains prepared to extend all necessary operational, diplomatic and humanitarian support to safeguard Indian vessels and personnel and will continue active coordination with domestic and international stakeholders to protect India’s maritime interests.’

Regarding the evolving airspace situation in parts of West Asia and its impact on international flight operations, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuously monitoring developing situations. According to PIB statement, till date, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the current situation.

The statement also stated that Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules. Long-haul and ultra long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings to avoid restricted airspace.

To facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, special arrangements are being made, for example, airlines deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement. Subject to operational and airspace considerations, Indian and foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are undertaking limited operations.

The Ministry is in continuous touch with airlines and is closely monitoring airfares to ensure that there is no undue surge in ticket prices during this period.

It is also advised that before proceeding to the airport, passengers should check the latest flight status directly with their respective airlines and they should only rely on official sources for updates.

The Ministry of External Affairs also published an advisory to all foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay. They are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The Ministry of External Affairs also established a Special Control Room in MEA. The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm, contact numbers,

1800118797 (Toll Free)

+91 11 2301 2113

+91 11 2301 4104

+91 11 2301 7905

Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are:

Bahrain: +973 39418071, Iran: +989128109115 / +989128109102 /+989128109109 / +989932179359, Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899, Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378, Jordan: +962 770 422 276, Kuwait: + 965 65501946, Lebanon: +961 76860128, Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free), Qatar: +974 55647502, Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (toll free), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093, United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) / 800 46342 (Toll free)

For detail

Special Control Room in MEA

https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40846/Special_Control_Room_in_MEA

Advisory

https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40836/Advisory

Shipping Ministry Reviews Maritime Situation in Persian Gulf; Enhanced Monitoring to Safeguard Indian Vessels & Seafarers

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Chairs Key Meet to Assess Security of Seafarers and Maritime Assets in the Persian Gulf

Quick Response Team set up for Safeguarding Indian Seafarers Amid Evolving Maritime Risks

Posted On: 03 MAR 2026 7:32PM by PIB Delhi

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2235128&reg=3&lang=1

Ministry of Civil Aviation Operational Update – West Asia Airspace Situation

Posted On: 03 MAR 2026 10:03PM by PIB Delhi

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2235194&reg=3&lang=1

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