Caught In Conflict: How Indian Sailors Power Global Shipping And Why They Face Risks In Gulf War

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 12:14 IST

The number of Indian sailors has grown from around 1.25 lakh a decade ago to more than three lakh now

It’s testing times for thousands of sailors from across the world who are stuck at sea as the situation in West Asia turns more volatile. For India, the concern is not just the implications of the US-Israel-Iran war on the global supply chain but also the fact that the country’s sailors—one of the largest and most important talent pools—are also stranded in the raging conflict.

India’s Share In Global Shipping

India is one of the top three countries that supply the world’s sailors and the number of Indian sailors has grown exponentially in the past decade. According to government data, the number of Indian sailors has grown from around 1.25 lakh a decade ago to more than three lakh now. Indians now comprise around 10-12 per cent of the total number of sailors in the world and the country is among the largest suppliers of trained sailors and maritime professionals.

Indian sailors work on various types of vessels, including oil tankers, containers, LPG vessels, and bulk carriers. Indians also work on vessels operated by foreign shipping companies. The main reasons behind why Indian sailors are the mainstay of every shipping company around the world include the presence of quality maritime training schools and the fact that Indians are proficient in English. Indians also offer cheaper labour compared to their Western counterparts. Additionally, India has the largest number of technically trained sailors and officers. Therefore, it is said that almost every sea route in the world is covered by an Indian crew.

Why Are Seafarers Crucial In Global Trade?

About 90-95 per cent of global trade by volume rests on shipping, making seafarers the backbone of the global economy. More than 1.8 million seafarers work on merchant ships worldwide, operating everything from container ships and oil tankers to bulk carriers transporting food grains and raw materials.

As per the government, Indian sailors play key roles in operating ships that move crude oil and LNG, food grains, automobiles and electronics, and industrial raw materials. Without these workers, global supply chains—from energy to consumer goods—would grind to a halt.

A large number of Indian sailors also hold officer and engineering roles, such as captains, navigation officers, marine engineers and technical specialists.

West Asia War: Indian Sailors Caught In Crossfire

According to the latest information available, 37-38 Indian-flagged vessels with over 1,100 sailors on board are stuck in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Thousands of Indians are also onboard foreign vessels in these areas.

In total, tens of thousands of sailors from different nations are stuck in these areas. According to a warning by the International Maritime Organisation, there is a high risk and stress for sailors in these areas.

The Strait of Hormuz, a small waterway between Iran and Oman, is a very significant shipping route in the world, transporting one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. However, due to missile strikes and naval patrols, ships have been forced to halt operations and anchor in these areas.

Some sailors have also resorted to social media for help after being stuck on ships near the areas of conflict. An Indian national has reportedly been killed in an attack carried out by Iran using a “suicide" boat against a US-owned oil tanker near Iraq. The tanker, identified as ‘Safesea Vishnu’, was targeted in Iraqi waters during the ongoing conflict in the region. Till now, at least three Indian nationals have been confirmed killed and more than 20 others injured in Iranian strikes.

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