Government issues precautionary advisory amid escalating Gulf conflict; Indian shipping companies directed to suspend fresh crew deployment

In a significant precautionary move amid the worsening security situation in the Gulf region, India's Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to immediately suspend the deployment of Indian seafarers on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

The advisory comes after a series of attacks on commercial vessels operating in and around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, including incidents in which two Indian seafarers lost their lives. The government said the decision has been taken to safeguard Indian maritime personnel as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Security Risks Intensify

According to the DGMA, recent attacks involving merchant vessels such as Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan and Al Rekayyat have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships navigating the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters.

In its advisory, the maritime regulator stated that the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, along with the protection of Indian-flagged vessels, remain the government's highest priority.

The circular noted that the deteriorating security environment necessitates enhanced precautionary measures until the situation stabilises.

Fresh Deployment Suspended

Under Circular No. 36 of 2026, all Indian shipping companies, recruitment agencies and vessel operators have been instructed to refrain from deploying Indian crew members on ships scheduled to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The directive applies to fresh deployments and will remain in force until further notice from the DGMA.

However, vessels already operating in the region have been asked to adopt heightened security measures and closely monitor all navigational and security advisories.

Enhanced Safety Protocols

The DGMA has instructed vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters to maintain a high level of security vigilance.

Ship operators have also been directed to strictly comply with safety requirements under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and continuously monitor navigation warnings issued by relevant authorities.

Indian seafarers and vessel operators facing emergencies have been advised to immediately contact the DGMA Communication Centre or the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for assistance.

Rising Regional Tensions

The latest advisory comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States, with repeated attacks on commercial shipping raising concerns over one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world's most strategically important waterways, carrying nearly one-fifth of global crude oil supplies. Any disruption in the region has significant implications for international trade, energy markets and global shipping operations.

India Condemns Shipping Attacks

The advisory follows recent attacks on UAE-flagged merchant vessels MT Al Bahyah and MT Mombasa, in which two Indian seafarers were killed.

India has strongly condemned the attacks. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that violence targeting commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure is unacceptable and called for the immediate cessation of such attacks.

The MEA also confirmed that the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned, and India lodged a strong diplomatic protest over the incidents.

Government Monitoring Situation

The DGMA said it will continue to closely monitor developments in the Gulf region and issue further directions based on the evolving security situation.

Officials have emphasised that the advisory is a preventive measure aimed at protecting Indian maritime personnel while ensuring that shipping companies remain vigilant during ongoing regional instability.