Indian Ships Stranded Strait of Hormuz News India Trade Alert Middle East Tensions Global Shipping Update — Indian-flagged cargo ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting safety and trade concerns amid rising Middle East tensions.

37 Indian-flagged ships, 1,100 sailors stranded in Middle East

37 Indian ships stuck near Strait of Hormuz, raising safety, trade, and energy supply concerns amid Middle East tensions.

By Fahad On Mar 5, 2026

Indian Ships – (Web Desk) – Amid rising tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, at least 37 Indian-flagged ships carrying 1,109 crew members are currently stuck near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over safety and trade for India, according to local media reports on Thursday.

These vessels are spread across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with some waiting to load cargo while others are already fully loaded. The Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) confirmed the ships’ presence and called for government assistance to ensure their safe passage.

“We understand that around 37 Indian-flagged ships are operating in the region, serving national needs. Some are waiting to load, while others are fully loaded. They are located on both sides of the Hormuz Strait. We request the Government of India to help secure safe passage for these ships, protecting Indian lives, assets, and supply chains,” INSA said.

The shipping body emphasized the importance of collective measures to safeguard Indian sailors, commercial interests, and critical supply chains, especially oil. On March 2, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, warning of attacks on any ship attempting to pass through.

This situation has already caused a sharp drop in ship movements through this key route. Analysts warn that nearly 20% of India’s imports—including crude oil, food, and chemicals—could be affected if tensions worsen. Nearly half of India’s crude oil imports rely on shipments passing through Hormuz, making the country particularly vulnerable to disruptions in energy supplies and increased freight costs.

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Beyond energy, the exposure extends to key industrial and agricultural inputs. Bullion, industrial chemicals, and even certain food imports have high dependence on Gulf shipping links, meaning trade flows could stall or become more expensive if maritime insurance and freight costs spike or if vessels are diverted. Sustained obstructions could ripple through inflation, transport costs, refining margins and India’s external trade balance, especially if global oil prices rise sharply in response to prolonged insecurity around the strait.