Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia
Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia
Senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs briefed the media on the latest developments in West Asia today at the National Media Centre. Such interactions are being held on a regular basis to keep the citizens informed through media about the evolving situation. During today’s briefing, updates were shared on fuel availability, maritime operations, and assistance to Indian nationals in the region.
Energy Supply and Fuel Availability
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the fuel supply scenario and steps being taken to maintain steady availability of petroleum products and LPG, amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry stated:
Crude and Refineries
Retail Outlets
Natural Gas
LPG
Kerosene
Meetings conducted by State Governments
Enforcement action
Other Government Measures
Public Advisory
Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations
During the briefing, information was shared on the current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf and the measures in place to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and crew by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The Ministry noted that:
· All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no shipping incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
· At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, with the Directorate General of Shipping continuing close monitoring in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.
· LPG carrier vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi are currently discharging cargo as per schedule of oil handling companies.
· The DG Shipping Control Room continues to operate 24×7 and has handled 3,305 calls and 6,324 emails since activation, including 125 calls and 449 emails in the past 24 hours.
· DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 472 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the past 24 hours, from airports and regional locations.
· India’s maritime sector continues to operate smoothly with no congestion reported at ports, including confirmation from State Maritime Boards such as Gujarat and Maharashtra.
· Ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations and have adequate spare capacity, with additional storage space created, including around 2,260 sq. meter at Visakhapatnam Port Authority.
· At JNPA, the situation remains normal with the number of stranded containers reducing further from about 1,000 to around 770.
· The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to monitor shipping movements, port operations, safety of seafarers and continuity of maritime trade in view of the evolving situation in West Asia.
Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region
The Ministry of External Affairs shared updates on recent developments in the region, including ongoing assistance and outreach through Indian Missions. The Ministry informed that:
· The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and the Gulf region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.
· The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and conveyed advance Eid greetings.
· The two leaders discussed the current situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s strong condemnation of attacks on the UAE resulting in loss of lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.
· Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to continue working towards early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.
· The Embassy of India in Tehran continues to assist Indian students in Iran, including those seeking to cross land borders into Azerbaijan.
· Indian nationals are advised to follow Embassy advisories to facilitate smooth land-border crossings into Armenia and Azerbaijan.
· A dedicated MEA control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, and coordination continues with State Governments and Union Territories.
· Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, maintaining contact with community associations and organizations and issuing updated advisories. A decline in helpline queries indicates that many urgent issues of stranded nationals have been addressed.
· Missions remain in close contact with local authorities and continue to assist seafarers, stranded Indians and short-term visitors with visas, consular services and logistical support.
· Special efforts are being made for Indian students in the region, with Missions coordinating with schools and education boards.
· The CBSE X Standard exams were cancelled and, now the XII Standard boards also stand cancelled. ICSE and Kerala Board exams are also cancelled.
· The respective Boards would announce a formulation for the determination of marks in these cases in due course.
· In Iran, Indian students from Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been relocated to safer locations, with all necessary assistance being provided by the Embassy.
· Since 28 February 2026, around 2,60,000 passengers have returned from the region to India.
· Flight operations are gradually improving with additional services being introduced across the region.
· In the UAE, around 70 flights operated on 17 March 2026 and about 75 flights are expected today to various destinations in India. Over 50 flights have been operating daily since 5 March 2026, indicating improving connectivity.
· Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India.
· Qatar airspace remains partially open, with 5 flights operated yesterday and services to 9 Indian destinations announced from today.
· Kuwait airspace remains closed since 28 February 2026. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia.