National Desk : Voice of Calcutta

The ongoing war situation in West Asia has begun to severely disrupt global maritime trade. Iran’s decision to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has created major concerns for international shipping and energy supply chains. According to sources, nearly 23,000 Indian seafarers and maritime workers are currently stranded in the region, while at least 37 Indian-flagged vessels have been forced to halt operations due to the closure of the strategic waterway. In response to the emerging crisis, India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has initiated urgent measures. Government sources said the process of forming a Quick Response Team has already begun to closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. The team will coordinate diplomatic and administrative interventions if required.

Sources indicate that the affected Indian vessels are currently stranded across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and nearby maritime zones. Most of these ships were transporting crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from Gulf countries to India. However, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflict, maritime movement has come to a standstill, forcing thousands of seafarers to wait at sea under uncertain conditions. The situation has triggered serious concern within India’s maritime sector. The Indian National Shipowners’ Association has urged the central government to intervene quickly to ensure the safety of seafarers and restore normal shipping operations. Adding to the anxiety, sources claim that two Indian seafarers may have died amid the tense conditions in the region, although the government has not yet officially confirmed the details.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the busiest and most strategically vital maritime routes in the world. Although India imports relatively little crude oil directly from Iran, the country relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs. More than 85 percent of India’s crude oil demand is met through imports, and nearly half of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Major suppliers such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait together export around 2.5 to 2.7 million barrels of crude oil to India every day through this route. The waterway is equally crucial for liquefied natural gas supplies, with nearly 60 percent of India’s gas imports passing through the same corridor.

Experts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for a prolonged period, it could create serious pressure on India’s energy supply chain. The disruption may also affect India’s export trade, as large volumes of fertilisers, industrial goods and other commodities are regularly shipped to Gulf nations through this route. Economists believe that if the crisis continues, India’s import-export dynamics may undergo significant changes. Recently, India signed an important trade agreement with the United States, and if trade with Gulf countries is severely disrupted, India may increasingly rely on alternative supply chains, including greater dependence on the United States, particularly for agricultural imports. Overall, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns not only about maritime security but also about India’s energy stability, trade flows and economic outlook. Much will now depend on how quickly tensions in West Asia ease and when this crucial global shipping corridor reopens.

National Desk : Voice of Calcutta