India has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to stop deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, as escalating attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf region have significantly increased risks to commercial shipping and claimed the lives of Indian crew members.
"The safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, and the security of Indian ships, remain central to the mandate of the Directorate," the advisory said.
DGS said recent attacks on merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT, have significantly heightened the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected region.
"In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region," the advisory said.
As part of the enhanced safety measures, DGS has instructed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment and placement services licence (RPSL) companies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.
India is the world's third-largest supplier of seafarers, with more than 300,000 Indian sailors serving on ships across global merchant fleets, according to government data.
The advisory also requires masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to maintain heightened security vigilance.
They have been directed to continuously monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by competent authorities, while ensuring full implementation of ship security plans (SSP), company security procedures and other measures prescribed under the international ship and port facility security (ISPS) Code.
The latest directive comes after two Indian seafarers were killed in attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf region over the past three days as tensions in the Middle East intensified.
According to government data, multiple fatalities have occurred in attacks on commercial ships operating in the region during the ongoing conflict.
The Indian government has also lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Iran, summoning the country's deputy ambassador following one of the deaths earlier this week.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial share of global crude oil, liquefied natural gas and commercial cargo traffic. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has significant implications for global energy supplies, freight movement and maritime safety.
DGS said the precautionary measures will remain in force until further orders as authorities continue to monitor the evolving security situation in the Gulf region.
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