Indian ship owners seeks diplomatic intervention for safe passage in West Asia

The Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) has raised concerns about their stranded vessels during the ongoing crisis in West Asia. In a letter to the centre, INSA said 27 Indian flagged vessels are currently stuck in the region.

“While our ships are waiting news reports are sharing conflicting pieces of information about the current passage of mainly Chinese and Iranian ships via the Hormuz Strait that reported to have been seen passing in both directions,” the INSA letter read.

According to INSA, Indian flagged ships, valued at over Rs 10,000 crore, are caught in a ‘blocked style closure’ of the Hormuz Strait resulting from escalating conflict between the USA, Israel, and Iran.


The association urged the centre to intervene diplomatically to ensure safe passage of Indian flagged ships and seafarers.

Around 85% of India’s cooking gas imports pass through this narrow waterway. Many of the stranded tankers are already laden with crude oil or cooking gas destined for India, while others wait to load essential energy supplies.

Highlighting the danger, INSA said at least three tankers were attacked since the conflict began on February 27, 2026. “One INSA member vessel reportedly narrowly escaped a missile strike that landed just one mile away,” the letter read.