The Port of Paradip on High Alert as Pakistani Crew Arrives
The latest development in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan has unfolded at the Port of Paradip on India’s east coast. Reports confirm that the port has been placed on high security alert following the arrival of a tanker carrying a Pakistani crew.
Authorities at Paradip have notified the state government about the presence of Pakistani nationals onboard the Hong Kong-registered crude oil tanker, Siren II. The vessel, managed out of the UAE, arrived at Paradip anchorage with a crew of 25, predominantly consisting of Pakistani nationals, alongside two Indians and one from Thailand.
Loaded with 196,580 metric tons of crude destined for the Indian Oil Company’s refinery in Paradip, the Siren II had previously made stops in South Korea and Singapore before reaching India. Upon arrival, the vessel was stationed at one of the floating buoys approximately 12 miles offshore for unloading.
Security measures were heightened at the port upon discovering the composition of the crew, prompting authorities to conduct a thorough search of the vessel and verify the crewmembers’ documents. While the Indian and Thai crewmembers were allowed ashore, all 21 Pakistani nationals were instructed to remain onboard for the duration of the vessel’s stay at Paradip, with the port remaining on high alert until its departure.
Escalating Tensions
This incident occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which recently saw a week of heightened hostilities. While both countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, sporadic skirmishes have continued, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to warn of a forceful response to any further terrorist attacks.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintains his country’s innocence in the April 22 attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, asserting that Pakistan has acted responsibly throughout the conflict. Despite both nations proclaiming military victories with the ceasefire, tensions remain palpable, as evidenced by the situation with the Pakistani crew aboard the Siren II.