The Indian government has advised shipping companies to temporarily avoid deploying Indian seafarers on merchant ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz due to the worsening security situation in the Gulf region.
The advisory has been issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), India’s top maritime authority, as concerns grow over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the conflict-hit waterway.
According to the DGMA, the restriction will remain in place until further notice. “In view of the heightened security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers License) Companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.”
Safety Measures for Ships and Crew
Along with the deployment advisory, the DGMA has instructed shipping companies to strengthen safety measures for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters.
The authority has asked operators to:
- Maintain heightened security vigilance in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters.
- Continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories while strictly following the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Immediately report emergencies and seek assistance through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and the DG Communication Centre (Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre).
DGMA Monitoring Middle East Situation
The DGMA said it is closely tracking developments in the Middle East and remains focused on protecting Indian seafarers working on international merchant vessels.
The authority stated that ensuring the safety, security and welfare of Indian sailors remains its top priority as the regional conflict continues.
Indian Sailors Among Those Affected
The advisory comes as commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz continue to face risks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Reports suggest Indian nationals make up a significant share of civilian seafarers working on merchant ships in the region. Since the conflict began on February 28, at least 10 Indian sailors have reportedly lost their lives in and around the Strait of Hormuz in attacks linked to both Iran and the United States.
Recent Incidents Raise Alarm
Earlier this week, one Indian national was killed and 10 others were injured, including two who suffered serious injuries, after Iranian attacks on two oil tankers in the strategic waterway. The incident prompted India to summon Iran’s deputy envoy, register a strong protest and demand an immediate end to such attacks.
In another incident, an Indian crew member aboard a Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel near the coast of Oman went missing after the ship was struck by what Iranian forces described as a warning shot. He was later confirmed dead.
The latest advisory reflects India’s growing concern over the risks faced by its seafarers as tensions in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes continue to escalate.
First published on: Jul 16, 2026 02:11 PM IST
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