India reaffirms seafarer safety commitment after five Indians rescued from tanker in Hormuz

Fresh updates from the financial markets indicate that India has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its seafarers, primarily in risky waters, after five nationals were rescued from a strike in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commended the rescue operation after the five nationals aboard the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III were safely shifted ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Rescue of five Indian nationals on board the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III. We stay committed to the safety, security and welfare of our seafarers abroad," the MEA spokesperson wrote.

Rescue of five Indian nationals on board the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III. ⬇️

We stay committed to the safety, security and welfare of our seafarers abroad. https://t.co/TecVYMZJqV

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 3, 2026

This comes after five Indian nationals aboard a Kuwait-flagged tanker were safely brought ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman stated.

In a post on X on Friday (local time), the Embassy stated it had coordinated the rescue of the five Indian nationals aboard the tanker MT Kazimah III after the vessel was hit by a projectile in the region.

The Embassy additionally expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities for their continued backing and assistance during the rescue operation.

“Earlier today, the Mission coordinated rescue of five Indian nationals on board the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III, struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. All 5 Indian nationals have been shifted ashore safely. We thank the Omani authorities for their continued backing and assistance,” the Embassy stated in the post.

The vessel is a oil tanker at present sailing under the flag of Kuwait and is en route to the port of Lomé in Togo.

The development comes as India keeps closely monitor the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers operating on commercial vessels across the Persian Gulf.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Tuesday that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are at present on board various commercial vessels operating in the area, including 163 Indian seafarers on 12 active cargo ships.

“At this point, we have six India-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. We additionally have six foreign-flagged vessels which are carrying cargo to India. So 12 ships are there. On these ships, we have around 163 Indian seafarers who are on board,” Jaiswal stated during a media briefing.

“Apart from this, we additionally have over 4,500 Indian seafarers who are on board various commercial vessels which are operating in the area,” he further noted.

Jaiswal stated the Ministry of Shipping, in coordination with Indian diplomatic missions and local stakeholders, was monitoring the movement of vessels and the well-being of Indian seafarers.

“Our Ministry of Shipping keeps monitor the movement of these ships and is looking at the well-being of all these seafarers, and as and when required, through our embassies and other stakeholders, they do the needful for their well-being and welfare,” he stated.

“On our side, we stay committed to the safety and well-being of our seafaring community abroad,” Jaiswal stated.

The update comes against the backdrop of heightened security risks across global maritime corridors, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has faced recurring attacks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had boosted concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers during his address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly last week.

“New challenges in the maritime domain have further noted to longstanding ones on land. There have been attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea. Indian seafarers have lost their lives, as have others from other nations. This is completely unacceptable,” Jaishankar told the UN assembly.

Jaishankar additionally stated India had joined Liberia and 23 partner nations in an international coalition to mobilise global public opinion and defend commercial shipping routes.

“We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour,” Jaishankar urged.

He additionally called for immediate restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and global trade.