The clarification was issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas after multiple media reports suggested that India was actively working on a project referred to as the “Middle East–India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP),” which was alleged to link Gujarat with Oman and other Gulf states. The ministry categorically denied these claims, stating that no proposal of this nature is under examination at present and no active dialogue or negotiations are being held with Oman or any other Gulf country regarding such a pipeline project. The ministry added that the clarification was necessary to put an end to speculation surrounding the matter.
The government further emphasized that India’s energy supply chain remains stable and uninterrupted, with liquefied natural gas shipments continuing safely. It noted that a Malta-flagged LNG carrier named “Disha” recently transited safely through the Strait of Hormuz while carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG destined for Dahej in Gujarat. The vessel is expected to arrive in India on June 18. The ship is being managed by a consortium led by the Shipping Corporation of India.
In light of ongoing maritime security concerns in the region, the government stated that it is maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions abroad, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers. Authorities confirmed that port operations across India remain fully normal.
This clarification comes shortly after heightened security concerns following a reported attack by United States forces on a commercial vessel, MT Setebello, off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
In response to the escalating risks in conflict-prone maritime zones, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued an advisory to shipping companies and maritime recruitment and placement agencies, urging them to refrain from deploying Indian seafarers in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East until further orders.
The government’s statement underscores both its commitment to countering misinformation on strategic infrastructure projects and its continued focus on safeguarding energy security and the welfare of Indian maritime personnel amid rising regional tensions.
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