India races to move 13 ships out of Hormuz

India has launched an emergency operation to move 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions continue to simmer across the Gulf region, officials said on Friday.

The operation comes amid growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. At the same time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran and urged those already in the country to leave with embassy assistance, reports gulfnews.

Officials said the government has activated a coordinated, multi-agency response involving the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the MEA, Indian diplomatic missions and maritime stakeholders to safeguard Indian seafarers and commercial assets in the region.

Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said authorities are prioritising the safe passage of 13 Indian-flagged vessels currently operating in or around the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessels include one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers and a dredger.