India mulls naval escort for ships stuck near Iran blockade
India is considering escorting its merchant vessels (including the option of naval escort) stuck in and around the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters (including parts of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman), after tensions escalated in early March; a shipping advisory was issued on March 2, 2026.
Right now, 36-37 (36 per the March 10 government update) Indian-flagged ships and more than 1,100 crew members are stranded with cargo that is crucial for India's energy needs.
Government stepping up monitoring, support
The Strait of Hormuz handles a quarter of the world's seaborne oil and supplies most of India's LPG.
There have been reports of attacks on vessels in the region, but as of the March 10, 2026 government update there were no confirmed casualties among Indian-flagged vessels.
The blockade is causing major delays, port congestion, and could mean higher fuel prices back home.
The government is stepping up monitoring and support to get these ships moving safely again.