# MEA says 24×7 helplines active for Gulf seafarers 2026-08-07T14:02:24+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet India’s external affairs ministry says its Gulf missions are running 24x7 helplines for Indian ships and seafarers amid rising regional tensions. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a press briefing on Friday that missions are in constant touch with the shipping ministry and local maritime authorities to provide support. He called on all parties to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, commercial vessels and seafarers. The statement follows the sinking of Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea off Yemen after an attack by an explosives-laden boat. All 13 Indian nationals were rescued. Yemen’s NRF blamed the Houthis. India condemned the attack and urged restoration of free navigation in international waterways. ## Coverage - siasat.com Tags: Gulf, Houthis, MEA, Red Sea, seafarers, shipping Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/mea-says-24x7-helplines-active-for-gulf-seafarers/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/mea-says-24x7-helplines-active-for-gulf-seafarers/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.