In a decisive move to enhance safety, the Indian government has launched a new initiative to track the status and well-being of all Indian crew members working in the Arabian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Port and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered the creation of a centralized, real-time dashboard that will monitor vessel data, including cargo details, crew counts, and route information, regardless of the ship's flag. This directive comes as a direct response to recent violent attacks on merchant vessels such as the MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which tragically led to the death of an Indian seafarer and left several others hospitalized.

To manage this heightened security environment, the government is establishing round-the-clock coordination between multiple ministries, the Indian Navy, and international diplomatic missions in the region. Dedicated liaison officers are being appointed for affected crew members to provide families with a direct line of support for medical updates, wage concerns, and potential repatriation efforts. Furthermore, the government has issued a strict mandate to shipowners and recruitment agencies: no Indian seafarer may be forced to sail without comprehensive threat assessments and guaranteed protective measures. This initiative underscores India's commitment to protecting its citizens serving in vital global supply chains amidst increasing regional instability.