West Asia conflict: Why Indian seafarers keep sailing into Hormuz

Since the West Asia conflict escalated in February, sixteen Indian seafarers have lost their lives while attempting to navigate the perilous Hormuz Strait. An additional thirty-three have suffered injuries and two remain unaccounted for. While all victims aboard foreign-flagged vessels, India has not prohibited seafarers from venturing into the conflict zone.

In fact, many continue to do so due to the lucrative pay, which is two to three times greater than what they would earn elsewhere. According to Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping at the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Inland Waterways, "In absolute numbers, foreign-flagged vessels have sustained more hits than Indian-flagged vessels. However, in terms of casualties, India has paid the highest cost."