Gulf crisis: After fresh attacks, govt orders real-time monitoring of ships with Indian crew
The Indian government has ordered real-time monitoring of ships carrying Indian crew members in the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions following recent attacks. A new dashboard will track vessel positions and crew welfare to ensure safety in the conflict zone.
Why it matters
It demonstrates the state's responsibility in protecting its citizens working in high-risk international maritime sectors.
NEW DELHI: For tracking ships with Indian seafarers in conflict-hit West Asia, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday directed maritime regulator DG Shipping to have a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to account for every such ship, irrespective of their flags.The online dashboard — for tracking their movement in Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman — will provide real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and availability of food, fuel, medicines and communication facilities.This comes amid fresh strikes on two foreign-flagged commercial ships in the West Asia region that had 30 Indian seafarers.“The instructions are clear that every Indian seafarer has to be accounted for in this conflict zone. DG Shipping has been directed to ensure a liaison officer is appointed to look after the affected seafarers,” said an official.
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