Historical and Recent Challenges Faced by Indian Mariners in Maritime Conflicts
In 1985, two Indian ships, including the M.V. Nitya Nanak carrying salt from Gujarat, disappeared after reporting leaks, sparking parliamentary debate and maritime policy scrutiny. Decades later, Indian sailors face renewed risks in the Gulf amid US-Iran tensions and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Recent attacks on vessels have caused casualties and trauma among Indian crews, leading many to fear returning despite economic pressures to continue working in the region.