India's MEA launches 24/7 helplines to aid Indian vessels amid Gulf shipping tensions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on August 7 that Indian diplomatic missions across the Gulf are in constant contact with the Ministry of Shipping and local maritime authorities, operating round‑the‑clock helplines to support Indian‑flagged ships and their crews as regional tensions rise. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the issue is a high priority and urged all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels.

Earlier in the week an Indian vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea off Yemen after being struck by an explosives‑laden boat. All 13 Indian nationals on board were rescued, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the incident and coordinating with Yemeni authorities. The attack was blamed on the Houthi‑aligned National Resistance Forces.