India Bars Seafarers from Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which nearly a fifth of global crude oil and a substantial share of liquefied natural gas exports pass, has become the focus of a new Indian maritime advisory. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

The advisory, issued on July 15, comes against the backdrop of a series of attacks on merchant ships and a worsening security environment in the Persian Gulf. Recent attacks on vessels including the Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT have significantly heightened risks for commercial shipping in the conflict-affected region. The DGMA circular stated that the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, along with the protection of Indian ships, remain central to its mandate.

India is a major supplier of seafarers to the global shipping industry, with thousands of Indian nationals employed on international cargo vessels. The advisory aims to protect them from potential harm in a region where geopolitical tensions have escalated. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a strategic chokepoint for energy shipments.

The DGMA has asked firms to comply with the directive immediately and to keep the administration informed of any developments. The advisory does not specify a duration but remains in effect until further notice. Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will review the advisory as the security landscape evolves.