India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to stop deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region.
The advisory follows a series of attacks on merchant vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including incidents that reportedly claimed the lives of two Indian seafarers. The DGMA said safeguarding the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged vessels remains its highest priority.
“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,” the regulator said.
The DGMA identified recent attacks involving the vessels *Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan and Al Rekayyat, warning that commercial ships and their crews operating in the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters face significantly elevated risks.
Enhanced security measures for vessels in the Gulf
In addition to the deployment advisory, the DGMA has instructed vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters to maintain heightened security vigilance.
Ship operators have been directed to continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories and strictly implement safety protocols under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The regulator also advised Indian seafarers and vessels requiring emergency assistance to immediately contact the DGMA Communication Centre or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Advisory follows escalating US-Iran tensions
The directive comes as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, with repeated attacks on commercial shipping raising fresh concerns over the safety of one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to global markets, remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
India condemns attacks on commercial shipping
The latest advisory follows attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in which Iran struck two UAE-flagged ships, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, alleging they had ignored repeated navigational warnings and were engaged in ‘illegal activities.’
India strongly condemned the attacks, which killed two Indian seafarers.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must cease immediately.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said.
The MEA also said the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned and a strong diplomatic protest was lodged over the attacks.
DGMA’s key precautionary measures
The DGMA, through Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed maritime stakeholders to adopt the following measures until further orders:
1. Stop deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. 2. Maintain heightened security vigilance across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters. 3. Continuously monitor navigational warnings and security advisories while ensuring strict compliance with the ISPS Code. 4. Immediately report emergencies and seek assistance through the DGMA Communication Centre or the Indian Navy’s IFC-IOR.
The DGMA said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation and take necessary steps to protect Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged vessels.
