NewsGate Press Network

It was officially stated by the government that two big Indian LPG tankers have made an exit from the Strat of Hormuz early on Saturday the 14th of March 2026.

There are still 22 ships stranded before the choke-point at the Strat of Hormuz awaiting Iranian green light.

Giving details of the West Asia situation during the daily press briefing by the Government, senior officials stated that all Indian seafarers are safe in the conflict zone, when the last reports came-in late on Saturday night.

Following are the salient points, as shared by the PIB at the daily presser on West Asia situation.

  • No new shipping incident involving Indian seafarers has been reported in the past 24 hours. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe.
  • Of the 24 vessels in the Persian Gulf region (west of the Strait of Hormuz) till yesterday, two Indian-flag LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — carrying about 92,712 MT of LPG crossed the Strait of Hormuz early this morning. They are scheduled to reach Mundra Port and Kandla Port on 16 and 17 March respectively.
  • There are currently 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers in the Persian Gulf region. DG Shipping is closely monitoring the situation with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.
  • In the past 24 hours, DG Shipping Control Room handled about 312 calls and 460 emails from seafarers, families and maritime stakeholders. Over the past 15 days, it has handled 2,737 calls and more than 4,900 emails.
  • A Quick Response Team at DG Shipping is operating 24×7 and coordinating with shipping companies, embassies, MEA and P&I Club insurers. Concerns of around 1,300 seafarers and their families have been addressed.
  • In the past 24 hours, 30 seafarers have been repatriated from airports and regional locations across the Gulf, taking the total repatriations to 253.
  • The Government is working with ports, shipping lines and logistics stakeholders to minimise operational impact on maritime trade.
  • Ports have been advised to provide relief measures such as concessions in anchorage, berth hire and storage charges. Lease extensions have also been granted in certain cases, including for 25,000 MT barytes cargo at Kamarajar Port.
  • Major ports are giving priority berthing to LPG vessels to ensure energy supply. In the past few days, six LPG vessels have been received at major ports.
  • Ports are also providing safe anchorage areas for loaded vessels bound for the Gulf that are currently unable to transit.
  • The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with MEA, Indian Missions, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs provided an update regarding safety and welfare of Indian nationals residing or travelling in the West Asia region and outlined the continued engagement of Indian Missions with the Indian community. It said:

  • Since the outbreak of the conflict, India has consistently called for de-escalation and resolution of issues through dialogue. India has emphasised the importance of ensuring unimpeded transit of goods and energy and avoiding attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities.
  • India has remained in close contact with key stakeholders including GCC countries, Iran, the United States and Israel at political and diplomatic levels. The Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Indian Missions have been actively engaging with counterparts to underline India’s priorities, particularly energy security and safe maritime transit.
  • Apart from Shivalik and Nanda Devi, several other Indian-bound vessels remain on standby in the Gulf region and efforts are ongoing to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage.
  • Due to flight disruptions arising from the conflict, Iranian authorities arranged a chartered flight from Kochi last night to repatriate stranded Iranian nationals.
  • India currently has more than adequate fertiliser stocks for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season. Urea stocks are higher than last year; DAP stocks are nearly double and NPK stocks are also significantly higher. Domestic urea production is expected to exceed consumption as the Rabi season concludes, while global tenders have already been placed and supplies are expected by the end of March.
  • Discussions within BRICS on a common position are ongoing through the Sherpa channel due to the involvement of some member countries in the current situation. India continues to facilitate consultations as BRICS Chair and remains engaged with partners, including Russia, through high-level diplomatic contacts.
  • Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The safety and well-being of Indian nationals remain the highest priority. A control room is operational for queries, and Missions are running 24×7 helplines, issuing advisories and assisting stranded Indians with visa, transit and logistical support.
  • Since 28 February, around 172,000 passengers have returned to India from the region. Air connectivity is improving with flights from Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. Indians in Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq are being assisted with visa extensions, transit visas and onward travel.
  • In an incident in Sohar, Oman yesterday, two Indian nationals lost their lives and ten were injured, none seriously. The Embassy is assisting the affected persons, coordinating with Omani authorities and facilitating early return of the mortal remains.
  • Regarding the vessel Safesea Vishnu (11 March, off the coast of Iraq), 15 Indian crew members were safely evacuated and are currently in Basra. The Mission is assisting them and coordinating their early return to India, along with repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national.
  • In earlier incidents, five Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing. Missions in Oman, Iraq and UAE are coordinating with local authorities to trace the missing person and facilitate repatriation of mortal remains.

Public Communication

The officer from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting spoke about the communication initiatives being undertaken to ensure dissemination of verified information to the public. The Ministry emphasised:

  • Fake information, including AI-generated videos and misleading messages, is being circulated on some social media handles. Citizens are advised to remain cautious and rely only on authentic sources and official Government handles.
  • LPG cylinder booking should be done through online or digital platforms such as mobile (SMS), portals or IVRS. Consumers are advised not to visit distributors physically.
  • State Governments and district-level committees, in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), are monitoring the situation and taking action against hoarding and black marketing.
  • Citizens are requested not to indulge in panic booking and to book LPG cylinders only as per the normal refill cycle.