NEW DELHI: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions affecting key global shipping routes and posing risks to Indian sailors, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday directed officials to ensure “no Indian seafarer finds himself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict”.Safety of Indian mariners remains govt’s top priority, he said while chairing a high-level review meeting on the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels in conflict-sensitive regions. The meeting was attended by officials from different departments and heads of Indian missions in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and Ukraine.“No Indian seafarer should find himself caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict. Every possible measure must be taken to safeguard our seafarers, support their families and ensure timely assistance wherever required,” the minister said.Meanwhile, on X, Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) claimed that AMIR1, currently at Ukrainian port Chornomorsk with 15 crew on board, including 13 Indian seafarers, was trapped in a “terrible and life-threatening situation”.It said, “Repeated drone and missile attacks are being attempted in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The crew is living under constant fear of a direct hit at any moment,” while appealing to authorities, shipowners, flag state, and govt to immediately secure their safety and arrange prompt repatriation.During the meeting, officials reviewed the prevailing security situation, maritime developments and the preparedness of Indian diplomatic missions.DG Shipping informed the minister that its 24×7 Seafarer Grievance and Assistance Cell remains fully operational. It added that to strengthen preparedness, the maritime regulator has asked Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) to conduct structured pre-departure orientation programmes to familiarise seafarers with operational conditions, security protocols and evolving geopolitical risks in deployment areas.Recognising the psychological stress of prolonged deployment in volatile regions, Sonowal also directed officials to integrate mental health support into the seafarer welfare framework, including counselling services for seafarers and their families and greater transparency on operational risks before deployment.
