India Bans Deployment of Seafarers in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi has directed shipowners, ship managers, and recruitment companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. The directive comes after two Indian sailors were killed in attacks on ships near the strait in the past three days, as regional tensions escalate.
India is the world's third-largest supplier of seafarers, with over 300,000 Indian nationals employed in global shipping fleets. Since the conflict in the Middle East intensified in February this year, at least 13 Indian nationals have died in the Gulf region, according to government sources.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) issued an order on Wednesday stating: "No deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders." The regulator cited a "significant" increase in risks to commercial ships, including those named Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan, and Al Rekayyat, operating in the conflict-affected region.
"In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region ... 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 order said.
It also instructed vessel masters to maintain heightened vigilance regarding the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjoining waters, and to continuously monitor navigational warnings. For emergency assistance, the DGMA directed seafarers and vessels to contact the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre—Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
The advisory follows heightened tensions after US strikes on Iranian military installations, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict and potential disruptions to shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the United States targeted Iran's coastal defence and missile facilities on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. In response, Iran threatened to further reduce regional energy exports, stating it is engaged in an existential conflict with the US.
The DGMA said it continues to monitor the evolving security situation closely and remains committed to protecting the safety, security, and welfare of Indian seafarers.
