<p data-path-to-node="2">A total of <b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="30">4,052 stranded Indian seafarers</b> have been safely repatriated from conflict-affected maritime corridors in West Asia, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways <b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="196">Sarbananda Sonowal</b> confirmed on Wednesday.</p><p data-path-to-node="3">Addressing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi, Minister Sonowal evaluated emergency response frameworks, real-time vessel tracking protocols, and ongoing welfare measures established to safeguard Indian maritime personnel navigating high-risk international waters.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="5">Emergency Response Protocols, Family Assistance, and Financial Relief</h3><p data-path-to-node="6">The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, operating through the Directorate General of Shipping, has activated a comprehensive support network to manage maritime distress cases across affected trade lanes:</p><ul data-path-to-node="7"><li><p data-path-to-node="7,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">24/7 Operations Command:</b> The <b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="29">DGCOMM Centre (MMDAC)</b> continues to function around the clock, monitoring maritime distress signals and coordinating direct evacuation routes. To date, the control cell has logged and resolved <b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="221">16,448 phone calls</b> and <b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="244">40,594 emails</b> from affected crew members and their families.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Seafarer Welfare &amp; Psychological Support:</b> The Directorate General of Shipping is extending continuous welfare assistance, providing emergency medical aid, psychological counseling, and structured communications to keep families informed of crew movements.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Ex-Gratia Financial Scheme:</b> Under the SWFS Special High-Risk Area Scheme, the government has instituted an immediate <b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="117">₹10 lakh financial assistance payout</b> to the next of kin of any seafarers who suffer fatal injuries due to regional conflict or hostile attacks.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Protecting Global Key Workers:</b> Reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to maritime labor, Minister Sonowal highlighted that Indian seafarers represent a vital pillar of international commerce and affirmed that their safety and physical security remain the government's top priority.</p></li></ul>