DG Shipping forms Quick Reaction Team to handle Persian Gulf crisis

The team will ensure a timely, coordinated, and effective response to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals in the maritime sector.

Mumbai: In the wake of the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliation leading to wider ramifications in the Persian Gulf, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG-Shipping) has formed a 24x7 Quick Reaction Team (QRT) for a timely, coordinated, and effective response to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals in the maritime sector.

The QRT was formed by Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan. It is led by Captain PC Meena, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew Branch), who is based in DG-Shipping headquarters in Mumbai.

The QRT includes Captain Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor, Sushil Mansingh Khopde, Additional Director General of Shipping and Jagannathan.

"In view of the ongoing conflict situation in Iran and the wider Persian Gulf region has been deteriorating and the resultant challenges faced by Indian seafarers stranded in and around Persian Gulf region, it is imperative to ensure a timely, coordinated, and effective response to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals in the maritime sector,” the DG-Shipping said.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively engaged in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers during this period, maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to provide necessary support, assistance, and evacuation facilitation if required. India remains firmly committed to the safety, welfare, and well-being of its seafarers.