Tensions continue… More than 600 sailors stranded!

According to the data of the Union Ministry of Shipping, there are currently 22 Indian ships anchored in the western part of the Persian Gulf. These include 6 LPG gas carriers, 4 crude oil carriers, and one LNG carrier. According to reports, about 611 Indian sailors are stranded on these ships alone. Apart from these, 3 more ships with 76 sailors are waiting in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz.

In this difficult situation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has been engaged in intensive talks with Iran and the Gulf countries. As a result, the Iranian government has allowed the passage of only two Indian ships, as a rare exception.

Two LPG ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, left for India via the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday morning. They are expected to arrive at the Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat on March 16 and 17, carrying around 92,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas.

India imports 90% of its crude oil and cooking gas requirements from the Middle East. If the Strait of Hormuz continues to be blocked, there is a risk of shortage of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in India. Reports suggest that people in some cities are already panicking and booking cooking gas in advance.

The Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai has opened a 24-hour control room to provide information to the families of the sailors. The Indian Navy has deployed its warships in the area to provide security to Indian ships.

Diplomatic talks: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are continuing to talk to Iranian leaders.

“Our priority is India’s energy security and the safety of our sailors,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The standoff is likely to continue until the remaining 22 ships return safely to the country.