The ‘Seafarer-First’ Initiative:
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched a whole-of-government ‘Seafarer-First’ response following attacks on two merchant vessels (MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa) carrying Indian crew members in the Strait of Hormuz.The ‘Seafarer-First’ initiative is an emergency, whole-of-government contingency mechanism launched by India to safeguard, track, and support all Indian seafarers operating in high-risk, conflict-affected maritime zones across West Asia (including the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman) regardless of the flag state of their vessels.Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).Aim: To individually account for every Indian seafarer in conflict zones, protect their legal and contractual rights, provide 24×7 emergency and medical support, and ensure that no seafarer is forced to sail into high-risk areas without informed consent and protection.
