New Delhi: The Centre has issued a fresh advisory asking shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) directed ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to prioritise the safety and welfare of Indian crew members as tensions continue to escalate in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
The advisory comes after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. The maritime regulator said shipping companies should refrain from assigning Indian seafarers to ships operating through the waterway and maintain heightened vigilance across the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.
The DGMA also instructed operators to closely monitor navigational warnings and security advisories while ensuring strict compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. In the event of any emergency, companies have been advised to immediately contact the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region and the DG Communication Centre for assistance.
Authorities said they are continuously monitoring the evolving security situation and remain committed to protecting Indian seafarers working on international vessels.
The advisory follows recent attacks on two UAE flagged commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes resulted in the deaths of two Indian seafarers, prompting India to strongly condemn the targeting of civilian shipping and call for an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels.
The Ministry of External Affairs also lodged a strong protest with the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, stressing that international waterways must remain safe for civilian navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling nearly one fifth of global oil shipments. Any disruption to shipping through the route has significant implications for global energy supplies and international trade, making the safety of commercial vessels and their crews a major international concern.
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