New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday said that all Indian seafarers in West Asia are safe amid the ongoing tensions in the region, with the government ensuring the safe repatriation of more than 3300 Indians, including 99 in the last 72 hours alone.
Briefing the media, Additional Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, Mukesh Mangal, said that no incident involving Indian flag vessel or a foreign-flagged vessel with an Indian crew has been reported.
“All Indian seafarers in the region are safe. No incident involving Indian flag vessel or a foreign-flagged vessel with an Indian crew has been reported in the past 72 hours. In the past 72 hours, 404 calls and 903 emails have been received. The ministry, through DG Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3300 Indian seafarers, including 99 in the last 72 hours. Port operations across India remain normal, and no congestion is reported,” he said.
When asked if India was planning to send vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, he said, “We are in touch with MEA, we are coordinating with them. Whenever the situation becomes conducive to sending the vessel there, then we will.”
He informed that there are 13 Indian flagged vessels and one Indian owned vessel currently in the region.
“13 Indian flagged vessels and one Indian owned vessel are there. There is international regulation, and the food and rations are arranged from the nearest port,” he said.
Further, he stated that the shipping rates, which soared in the wake of the West Asia war, have come down a little to USD 2000 for a 20-foot container as compared to USD 2400 on April 15.
“On April 15, for a 20-foot container, it (shipping rate) was around USD 2400, which is now around USD 2000,” Additional Secretary Mangal said.
The conflict between US- Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, led to maritime tensions in the region following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Iran are attempting to negotiate and reopen the naval route. (ANI)