India Successfully Repatriates 2,929 Sailors Amid Rising Tensions in the Gulf

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced on Wednesday that India has successfully repatriated a total of 2,929 sailors, with 29 Indian sailors returning home in the last 24 hours.

During an inter-ministerial media briefing addressing recent developments in West Asia, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, assured that all Indian vessels and their crews in the Persian Gulf are under strict surveillance, confirming the safety of all sailors in the region.

All Indian sailors in the area are reported to be safe, and there have been no incidents related to Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Mangal further stated that the ministry has facilitated the safe return of 2,829 Indian sailors. In the last day, 29 sailors were sent back. He also mentioned that the Directorate General of Shipping's control room is actively managing inquiries and assistance requests, having received nearly 8,000 calls and 17,000 emails. In the past 24 hours, they received 114 calls and 276 emails.

Despite ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, as the U.S. and Iran have yet to reach an agreement to end their conflict, a temporary ceasefire remains in effect following the April 21 deadline, allowing Washington and Tehran time to negotiate terms. President Trump has expressed deep dissatisfaction with Tehran's recent diplomatic efforts, insisting that negotiations cannot progress until the nuclear issue is directly resolved. He also claimed that Iran has indicated it is in a 'state of collapse' and is consequently pressuring to reopen the Strait of Hormuz 'as soon as possible.'