The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that currently six Indian-flagged ships and six foreign-flagged ships but associated with Indian interests are present in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf region.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press conference on a question that there are about 163 Indian sailors on board these ships.

Besides, there are more than 4,500 Indian seafarers aboard various other commercial vessels in the region, he said. He said that the Ministry of Shipping is constantly monitoring the movement of these ships and the safety and welfare of all seafarers is also being taken care of.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important sea lanes, separating the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Sea. This is a very important route for the energy sector.

Jaiswal was asked how many Indian-flagged ships and how many ships associated with Indian interests are present in the Persian Gulf region.

He said, “At present there are six Indian flagged commercial vessels present in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Apart from this, there are also six foreign flag vessels, which are carrying goods for India. Therefore there are six Indian flagged ships and six foreign flagged ships belonging to Indian interests, i.e. a total of 12 ships. There are about 163 Indian sailors on board these ships.

In recent months there have been attacks on various commercial ships carrying sailors from Indian and other countries.

India has said at various forums that attacks on commercial shipping anywhere are “unacceptable”.