India is exploring the deployment of its Navy to safely guide dozens of Indian-flagged vessels trapped near the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran threaten one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to open seas, handles nearly 20% of global oil trade. Recent military clashes have led to its partial shutdown, stranding at least 37 Indian ships carrying crude oil, LPG, and other cargo worth billions of rupees.

Shipping groups report around 1,100 Indian seafarers on board, with vessels holding position in safer Persian Gulf or Gulf of Oman areas but unable to proceed due to missile threats and disrupted navigation. India's Shipping Ministry has launched round-the-clock monitoring, issuing strict safety protocols like enhanced drills and daily position reports to its maritime fusion center.

A government decision on naval escorts could come soon, with warships potentially forming convoys to shepherd tankers through danger zones – a move balancing energy security and neutral diplomacy. The stakes are massive: These ships supply a key chunk of India's fuel imports. Prolonged blockade risks higher freight rates, oil price surges, and supply squeezes for refineries and consumers nationwide.

Industry leaders from the Indian National Shipowners’ Association have pressed for urgent intervention, highlighting exposed assets exceeding Rs 10,000 crore. As the crisis unfolds, New Delhi treads carefully to safeguard its fleet without entanglement in the wider conflict, eyes on both seafarer safety and economic fallout.