The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is exploring the possibility of initiating services to West Asia to assist in the transport of stranded cargo, according to Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This consideration comes as tensions in the region have escalated, particularly following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by joint Israeli-US strikes, which led to retaliatory actions by Iran and disrupted vessel movement in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, about 19,500 Indian seafarers are in the Middle East, a decrease from 28,000 at the onset of the Iran conflict. Mangal noted that many seafarers do not wish to return to India. There are 13 Indian-flagged vessels and one Indian-owned vessel stranded in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, while nine Indian LPG vessels and one crude oil vessel have successfully transited the strait since February 28, when the crisis began. India continues to coordinate with Iranian authorities for the safe passage of its vessels.