Shipping Ministry steps up monitoring of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review on 3 March 2026 of the security of Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf, and the ministry set up a Quick Response Team.
Summary
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting in New Delhi on 3 March 2026 on the security of Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf. Through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the ministry activated enhanced monitoring in response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters, including missile and drone activity and electronic interference. The DGS began real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with more frequent reporting, set up 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre, prescribed mandatory reporting protocols, and formed a Quick Response Team to safeguard Indian seafarers.
Key facts
- Date
- 3 March 2026
- Chaired by
- Sarbananda Sonowal, Shipping Minister
- Area
- Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman
- Threats cited
- Missile and drone activity, electronic interference
- Measures
- Real-time tracking; 24×7 MMDAC DGComm Centre; mandatory reporting; Quick Response Team
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Who chaired the 3 March 2026 review of the security of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the review.
Through which body did the Shipping Ministry activate enhanced monitoring of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping started real-time tracking and 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre.