India's shipping ministry announced that it had?ordered all its agencies to be prepared for any occurrence involving Indian seafarers, or maritime interests. This follows three U.S. attacks this week on Indian-crewed tankers, one of which resulted in the death of three sailors.

In a statement, the ministry stated that it is closely working with the Indian Navy, maritime administrations of friendly countries, shipping firms, and other stakeholders to provide timely assistance and support to Indian seafarers.

The statement said that "the Government has directed all concerned agencies to remain on high alert and be prepared to respond to any contingency that may affect Indian seafarers or Indian maritime interests." (Reporting and writing by KanjyikGhosh, NidhiVerma, Saurabh Sharma;)

(source: Reuters)