NewsGate Press Network

With the closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran, at present 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remains trapped inside in the Persian Gulf region.

This was stated by senior government officials at the daily press briefing on Gulf War situation on Wednesday the 18th of March 2026.

On Wednesday the two LPG carrier vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi which were allowed by the Iranians discharged their cargo as per schedule of oil handling companies.

Among the 22 ships that are still anchored on the west side of Strait of Hormuz, four of them are laden with LPG gas.

The official spokesperson of the MEA Randhir Jaiswal informed that the Prime Minister spoke with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed the current situation in West Asia.

The Prime Minister reiterated India’s strong condemnation of attacks on the UAE resulting in loss of lives and damage to civilian infrastructure, the MEA spokesperson added.

Jaiswal said both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to continue working towards early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.

Meanwhile the Embassy of India in Tehran continues to assist Indian students in Iran, including those seeking to cross land borders into Azerbaijan.

The CBSE has cancelled Class XII and Class X Standard exams in all schools in the Gulf Area.

On Wednesday the news came-in that ICSE and Kerala Board exams were also cancelled. The respective Boards are likely to announce a formulation for the determination of marks in these cases in due course.

In Iran, Indian students from Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been relocated to safer locations, with all necessary assistance being provided by the Embassy.

Since 28 February 2026, around 2,60,000 passengers have returned from the region to India.

Flight operations are gradually improving with additional services being introduced across the region.

In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on 17 March 2026 and about 75 flights are expected today to various destinations in India. Over 50 flights have been operating daily since 5 March 2026, indicating improving connectivity.

Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India.

Qatar airspace remains partially open, with 5 flights operated yesterday and services to 9 Indian destinations announced from today.

Kuwait airspace remains closed since 28 February 2026. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia.

For Indian nationals in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, where airspace remains restricted, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated.