New Delhi – In response to renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed the Director‑General of Shipping (DG Shipping) to develop an operational, vessel‑by‑vessel dashboard that captures every ship carrying Indian seafarers, irrespective of the flag it flies. The online platform will monitor movements across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, delivering live data on ship location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare, threat level, intended voyage, next port of call, and the availability of food, fuel, medicines and communications.

Background and Immediate Trigger

Two foreign‑flagged merchant vessels were struck in recent days, each with a complement of 30 Indian crew members. These incidents underscored the vulnerability of Indian nationals operating in a volatile maritime corridor, prompting the government to tighten oversight and ensure that “every Indian seafarer is accounted for in this conflict zone,” according to an official source.

Dashboard Capabilities

The dashboard will consolidate information that previously required multiple agencies to piece together. It will present real‑time threat assessments, the professional judgment of each ship’s master, and mandatory coordination with competent maritime authorities before any vessel transits the affected waters. This systematic approach aims to pre‑empt emergencies and streamline decision‑making at the highest levels.

Liaison Officers and Family Support

Each vessel will have a designated liaison officer who will act as the sole point of contact for the crew’s families. Responsibilities include relaying medical updates, travel documentation, repatriation logistics, Seafarers Welfare Fund assistance, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements, and other compensation claims. This single‑window service is intended to reduce bureaucratic delays and provide emotional relief to families far from home.

Coordination with Indian Missions

Sonowal chaired a high‑level inter‑ministerial review that included officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian embassies in Oman and Iran, and representatives from other affected nations. The meeting emphasized the need for verified, real‑time information on navigational safety, coastal‑state advisories, route status, port‑of‑refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures, and the handling of mortal remains.

By institutionalising this comprehensive monitoring framework, India signals a proactive stance on protecting its maritime workforce while contributing to broader regional stability.