India Weighs Naval Escorts For Tankers & Cargo Ships For Safe Passage Through Hormuz | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 10:48 IST

Around 40 vessels with more than 1,100 Indian seafarers are currently affected by the conflict-triggered disruption in the Persian Gulf region, officials told CNN-News18

The government is weighing the option of deploying naval escorts for Indian-linked commercial vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz as the ongoing West Asia war disrupts one of the world’s busiest energy routes, according to top government sources.

Around 40 vessels with more than 1,100 Indian seafarers are currently affected by the conflict-triggered disruption in the Persian Gulf region, officials told CNN-News18. Many of these ships are waiting to safely exit waters near Iran and the Gulf of Oman as tensions escalate between Iran, the United States and Israel.

High-level deliberations are underway in the Prime Minister’s Office under the supervision of NSA Ajit Doval, with officials closely monitoring the situation and assessing whether Indian naval warships should escort merchant vessels through the region.

Shipowners Seek Naval Protection

Sources said Indian shipowners have approached the government seeking naval protection for tankers and cargo ships caught in the volatile zone.

“The government is actively reviewing urgent requests from shipowners for naval escorts. A decision could be taken soon depending on how the security situation evolves," a senior official said.

However, officials indicated that many vessels are attempting to negotiate safe passage directly with Iranian authorities, hoping to exit the region without the need for military intervention.

“If ships can return safely through diplomatic assurances without deploying the navy, it becomes a win-win situation for all sides," a source said.

Iran Signals Safe Passage

Iran has reportedly conveyed that it will not target neighbouring countries in the Persian Gulf and is willing to assist regional shipping, including vessels linked to India.

Tehran has also indicated that shipping lanes could remain open for countries seen as neutral in the conflict. According to officials familiar with the discussions, India has sought unconditional safe passage assurances from both Iran and Oman.

India has already engaged diplomatically with Iran, the United States, and Oman, which is seen as maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict.

Strategic Chokepoint Under Threat

The crisis centres on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, making it one of the most critical maritime choke points in the world.

Attacks on merchant ships and escalating military activity have severely disrupted shipping through the corridor in recent days, raising fears of further attacks and sending insurance costs soaring.

The conflict has already resulted in multiple attacks on commercial vessels and forced many ships to halt or reroute operations around the Gulf.

Government Monitoring Situation

The Directorate General of Shipping and other agencies are maintaining constant contact with shipping companies and Indian crews in the region.

Earlier estimates suggested 37 Indian-flagged vessels carrying over 1,100 seafarers were stranded across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman after the closure of the key maritime route.

Officials said India’s immediate priority remains the safety of Indian sailors and the secure movement of energy cargo, while diplomatic channels continue to be used to prevent escalation.

If the security situation deteriorates further, sources indicated that the deployment of Indian Navy warships for escort operations could become imminent.

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