15 Indian-Flagged, Indian-Owned Vessels Currently Stranded In Strait Of Hormuz: Centre

The government said it is working in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safe movement of ships.

Green Asha, an India-flagged LPG vessel that has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, has moored at JNPA’s liquid berth operated by BPCL-IOCL, in Maharashtra. (PTI photo)

At present, 15 Indian-flagged and Indian-owned vessels are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre said on Monday, while assuring that efforts are underway to bring them back safely as conditions allow.

The government said it is working in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safe movement of ships once the situation in the strategic waterway stabilises.

“We, in coordination with MEA, are trying, putting our efforts to bring our vessels back. And as soon as it is possible for our vessels to sail from the Strait of Hormuz,” said Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during a press briefing.

The ministry also said that the Indian-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 11 April and is expected to reach Kandla on 14 April. The vessel is carrying around 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG and has 24 seafarers on board.

ALSO READ: Trump Is Pushing For Blockade In Already Restricted Hormuz: What Does It Mean For India?

The ministry further said that operations remain normal at all Indian ports, with no congestion reported. It also confirmed that no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the last 24 hours, while over 2,177 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 93 in the past day.

“We have received no report of any incident related to an Indian-flagged vessel in the last 24 hours. The Ministry has facilitated safe repatriation of more than 2177 Indian seafarers till now, including 93 seafarers in the last 24 hours,” Mangal said.

Meanwhile, on Indian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Mohammad Fathali, Tehran’s ambassador to Delhi, said Iran shares friendly relations with India and wants proper coordination to ensure safe passage of vessels.

“For Indian ships, you know that we have a good relation with the Indian government…We want good preparation for Indian ships… You know our Foreign Minister has described India as one of the five countries as a friend,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Read More