A container ship carrying 21 Indian sailors came under fire from Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, with newly released footage showing vessels linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) surrounding the ship during the incident.

The video, released by the Federation of Seafarers’ Associations of India (FSUI), reportedly captures the moments following the attack. The footage shows broken glass and belongings scattered inside the vessel, while Iranian fast boats can be seen moving around the ship.

All 21 Indian sailors on board reportedly survived the incident after taking shelter inside the vessel during the attack.

Video Shows Iranian Boats

According to the footage, several fast boats associated with the IRGC approached the container ship. One image appears to show an armed IRGC personnel on a fast boat carrying a rocket launcher.

The video also appears to capture a projectile being fired towards the ship. The vessel's windscreen was reportedly damaged during the incident, while objects inside the ship were thrown around following the attack.

The sailors took cover inside the vessel as the confrontation unfolded.

India Tightens Sailor Deployment

The incident comes against the backdrop of growing security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and other strategically important waterways in the Gulf region.

India had already taken steps to reduce risks to its maritime workforce. On July 16, the government stopped the fresh deployment of Indian sailors on ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf until further orders.

The restriction applies to new deployment of Indian seafarers and does not directly cover Indian sailors recruited outside the country by foreign shipping companies.

Indian authorities have also advised ship owners, ship-management companies and recruitment firms to exercise greater caution while operating in the region.

Indian Sailors Killed In Region

According to the report, at least 14 Indian sailors have been killed in attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28.

The latest footage has renewed concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working on commercial vessels operating through waters affected by military tensions and attacks.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route for global energy supplies and has remained particularly sensitive amid wider regional tensions.

Cargo Ship Hijacked Off Somalia

Separately, a cargo ship carrying six Indian nationals was reportedly hijacked off the Puntland coast of Somalia.

The Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF was carrying 10 people, including six Indians, a Turkish national, a Georgian national and two Serbian security personnel. The vessel was reportedly seized on August 17 near Maraya in Somalia's Eyl district before being taken towards the Nugaal coast.

Somali officials said eight pirates took control of the vessel. Turkish vessels subsequently reached the area and began monitoring the ship using helicopters and drones.

An airstrike later killed four people and injured two others after a small boat approached the vessel. However, the identity of those targeted and their connection with the hijacking remained unclear.

The current status of the vessel and all members of its crew was also not immediately clear.

Houthi Attack Kills Pakistani Sailors

Maritime security concerns have also affected other South Asian seafarers.

The bodies of two Pakistani sailors killed in a Houthi attack reached Karachi on Thursday. Six other Pakistani sailors who were injured in the incident also returned safely to Pakistan.

The attack took place on August 11 against the Tanzanian-flagged Tihama in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Three Pakistani sailors and one Indonesian sailor were reported killed.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack and stressed the need to ensure the safety of seafarers operating in dangerous maritime zones.

Rising Concern Over Maritime Safety

The incidents involving Indian, Pakistani and other international crews highlight the growing risks faced by commercial shipping personnel operating through conflict-affected and strategically important waterways.

For India, the security of its large seafaring workforce has become a particular concern as commercial vessels continue to navigate the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

The release of the Hormuz attack footage is likely to add to calls for stronger security measures for Indian sailors and greater coordination between shipping companies and government agencies.

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.

The Centre has unveiled a comprehensive maritime safety mechanism to monitor every Indian seafarer operating in the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters after recent attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian sailor dead and 10 others injured.

The decision was taken during a high-level inter-ministerial review chaired by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who directed authorities to adopt a "seafarer-first" approach through real-time vessel monitoring, dedicated liaison officers and round-the-clock coordination among government agencies.

The move comes amid growing security concerns in the Persian Gulf following attacks on commercial shipping along one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

High-Level Review After Vessel Attacks

The emergency review followed attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ships were carrying 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals. According to government officials, one Indian seafarer was killed aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman participated in the review meeting.

Real-Time Vessel Monitoring Ordered

As part of the government's response, the Directorate General of Shipping has been instructed to develop a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering every Indian seafarer working in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the vessel's nationality.

The digital platform will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare status, voyage plans, threat assessment, destination ports and emergency support facilities.

Officials said the objective is to ensure that every Indian seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region is individually accounted for.

Dedicated Support for Families

The government has also directed that a dedicated liaison officer be assigned to every Indian seafarer affected by the crisis.

The officer will coordinate directly with families and assist with medical updates, documentation, repatriation, welfare fund claims, salary-related issues, contractual benefits and compensation wherever applicable.

The ministry said the single-point contact system is intended to reduce delays and ensure quicker assistance to affected families.

Coordination With Indian Missions

The Shipping Ministry has instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian embassies and consulates in Iran, Oman, the UAE and other regional countries to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, port access, medical evacuation, hospital facilities, repatriation arrangements and ongoing investigations.

The government also confirmed that India has raised concerns over the attacks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the relevant flag administrations, while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilian shipping and ensuring compliance with international maritime law.

Fresh Risk Assessment Before Every Voyage

To strengthen maritime safety, the Centre has directed that every voyage through the conflict zone should proceed only after a fresh threat assessment, consultation with maritime authorities and the professional judgement of the vessel's master.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have also been asked to certify that no Indian seafarer is compelled to sail without adequate information, safety measures and operational support.

24x7 Helpline Activated

The government has activated a 24x7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families to provide emergency assistance and information.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal said the government's response would remain focused on safeguarding Indian seafarers while ensuring uninterrupted global maritime trade through one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.

India has announced enhanced monitoring of its merchant navy personnel operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman after an Indian sailor was killed and ten others were injured in a missile attack on two UAE-flagged commercial tankers. The move comes amid escalating security concerns in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also taken up the matter with Iran following the attack, while authorities are preparing to introduce a real-time monitoring system to track Indian seafarers working in the conflict-prone region.

Indian Sailor Killed in Tanker Attack

According to official information, two UAE-linked tankers—MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah—were struck by missiles while transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

The attack caused extensive damage to both vessels and triggered onboard fires. Around 30 Indian nationals were among the crew members on the ships.

Indian authorities identified the deceased as Sonu Kumar Gupta, a marine engineer from Bihar, who had resumed duty only three weeks before the incident.

Ten other Indian crew members sustained injuries in the attack, with two reported to be in critical condition.

MEA Raises Issue With Iran

Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs formally raised concerns with the Iranian government over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in the region.

The government is now working on a real-time dashboard that will allow authorities to monitor the movement and safety status of Indian seafarers navigating the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, enabling quicker response during emergencies.

Officials said the system is intended to improve coordination between shipping companies, Indian missions abroad and maritime authorities during periods of heightened regional tension.

Iran Claims Responsibility

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, stating that the vessels had ignored maritime warnings before entering the operational area.

However, the claim has been rejected by the United Arab Emirates, while India has expressed concern over attacks targeting civilian commercial shipping.

The incident has renewed fears about the safety of international maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries a significant share of the world's crude oil exports.

Security Concerns Intensify

The latest attack comes amid continuing tensions in West Asia, where repeated military confrontations have increased risks for merchant vessels and international shipping routes.

Indian authorities are expected to remain in close contact with shipping operators and foreign governments as they monitor the evolving security situation in the region.

The government has not yet announced any evacuation or advisory for Indian merchant navy personnel but is expected to review maritime safety measures as developments unfold.

 India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on two UAE-flagged commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after one Indian sailor was killed and several others were injured, as military tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply across the Gulf region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two vessels — MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa — were carrying a total of 30 Indian seafarers among their combined crew when they came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to the MEA, one Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian sailors were injured, including two who are reported to be in serious condition.

In response to the incident, the MEA summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and lodged a strong diplomatic protest. India urged an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and called for the restoration of safe, uninterrupted navigation through international maritime routes in accordance with international law.

India Raises Maritime Security Concerns

The government reiterated that the safety of Indian seafarers remains a top priority and stressed that commercial vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure must not become targets during military conflicts.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said India is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia. He noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently discussed regional developments, energy security, trade and investment with leaders of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman during his Gulf visit.

India maintained that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy supplies, international trade and regional stability.

Iran Claims Attack On US Military Assets

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

The IRGC alleged that the operation damaged multiple military installations, including fuel storage facilities, air defence systems, radar infrastructure, command centres and unmanned surface vessel control facilities. Iranian authorities described the strikes as part of an ongoing retaliatory military campaign.

The claims have not been independently verified.

US Expands Military Operations

The United States also intensified its military campaign, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming that American forces carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

US officials said the objective was to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce its ability to threaten civilian shipping and regional security.

The strikes reportedly targeted several locations across Iran, including areas near Abadan, Mahshahr and Bushehr. Iranian media also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and other southern locations.

US President Donald Trump has additionally announced that the US Navy will resume enforcing a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports while allowing compliant commercial shipping to continue navigating regional sea lanes.

Regional Tensions Continue To Rise

The latest developments have further heightened tensions across West Asia, with multiple countries expressing concern over the growing conflict.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, New Zealand and several other nations condemned recent attacks affecting regional maritime security, while China called for the immediate restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping companies have also raised concerns over increasing risks to commercial vessels operating in one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

As military operations continue, diplomatic efforts are also underway to prevent further escalation, with several regional governments urging restraint and renewed dialogue to safeguard international trade routes and regional stability.

The deaths of Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region took center stage at the G7 Summit in France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi called maritime security a shared international responsibility. Addressing world leaders during a high-level outreach session in Evian on Tuesday, Modi emphasized that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have not only claimed lives but also affected the global economy.

Maritime Safety Takes Global Stage

Speaking at the session themed “Forging New Partnerships and Renewing International Solidarity,” Modi said that Indian citizens had lost their lives in the recent conflict-linked incidents in the Gulf region. He stressed that seafarers play a vital role in connecting countries through international trade and deserve greater protection.

“We welcome the progress towards peace in West Asia. The conflict has resulted in the loss of life and property in friendly nations, while disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have negatively impacted the global economy,” Modi said.

The remarks come days after three Indian sailors were confirmed dead following a strike-linked incident in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers working across international shipping routes.

Modi-Trump Meeting Draws Attention

US President Donald Trump attended the same session and was seated alongside Prime Minister Modi. Before the meeting began, Trump stood up to greet the Indian leader, and the two exchanged a handshake before holding a brief conversation.

According to reports, both leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focusing on trade, investment, tariffs, and strategic cooperation. The meeting is being closely watched as India and the United States seek to strengthen ties despite recent disagreements over trade policies and visa regulations.

Focus on Trust and Global Partnerships

During his address, Modi underlined the importance of trust in international relations. He told world leaders that although the world is more interconnected than ever, partnerships can only succeed when they are built on mutual confidence.

He said that the world currently faces a deficit of trust rather than a shortage of resources. Referring to India's diplomatic philosophy, Modi reiterated the country's belief in the concept of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" and argued that development partnerships should empower nations rather than create dependencies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the aspirations of the Global South, stating that developing nations seek genuine partnerships and equal participation in global decision-making rather than temporary assistance.

Significance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in the region has immediate consequences for energy markets, shipping costs, and international trade.

For India, which imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements from the Gulf, stability in the region is of strategic importance. The safety of Indian seafarers working aboard merchant vessels has also emerged as a major concern amid continuing geopolitical tensions.

India's Expanding Global Role

Although India is not a member of the G7, it has been invited as a guest nation due to its growing economic and geopolitical influence. This year's summit marks Prime Minister Modi's seventh participation in the forum.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi also met leaders from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, South Korea, Japan, and Italy, discussing issues ranging from economic cooperation to regional security.

Three Indian seafarers lost their lives after a US military strike targeted a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, the Indian government confirmed on Thursday. The incident, which occurred near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, has heightened tensions in the region amid escalating US-Iran hostilities.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the deaths, expressing condolences to the families. The sailors were identified as coming from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI).

 Strike on Vessel Carrying Iranian Oil

The US Central Command stated that its forces conducted a "precision" strike on the vessel after it failed to heed instructions. Officials described the tanker as carrying oil from Iran, posing a potential threat in the tense waters. Initial reports indicated that communication with the ship was disrupted following the attack.

Of the 24 Indians reportedly on board, 21 have been rescued, with search and rescue operations continuing in coordination with Omani authorities. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation.

FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav earlier reported two sailors confirmed dead and the chief engineer missing. He questioned whether alternatives like detention could have been pursued, noting that authorities were aware of the multinational crew. By afternoon, the government confirmed all three missing Indians had perished.

 Iran Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz

In a sharp response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice. Any vessel approaching the waterway would be considered "cooperating with the enemy," the IRGC Navy warned. The announcement followed what Tehran described as repeated US violations of a fragile ceasefire.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for firing 12 ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Jordan, targeting facilities and aircraft. These developments come after reports of fresh US strikes on Iranian military sites, including surveillance and air defence positions.

Local sources in Iran reported explosions in southern areas such as Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and near the Strait of Hormuz. A separate incident involved a small Iranian cargo dhow hit in the Sea of Oman, though its crew was rescued.

 Impact on Indian Seafarers and Shipping

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through India's maritime community, which supplies a significant portion of global seafaring manpower. Families of the deceased are being informed, and support measures are expected to follow.

India has voiced deep concern over attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy during a Security Council debate, highlighting New Delhi's stakes in regional stability.

 Oil Prices Surge Amid Disruptions

The closure threat to the Strait of Hormuz — through which a major chunk of global oil passes — triggered immediate market reactions. Brent crude rose over $2 per barrel, trading near $95, while WTI climbed similarly. Analysts warn of potential supply shocks if tensions persist.

Several other maritime incidents were reported near Oman, including a fire on a tanker off Sohar and an attack near Shinas, with Indian crew on board in one case. Regional airspaces, including in Kuwait and Bahrain, saw temporary disruptions due to missile and drone activity.

 Diplomatic and Regional Fallout

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned against the crisis widening, urging all parties to pursue political solutions. European leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, indicated readiness for fresh sanctions on Iran.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Jordan advised citizens to shelter in place amid aerial threats, and similar advisories were issued for Iraq.

The deaths of the Indian seafarers underscore the human cost of the rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia. As efforts continue to locate any remaining crew and clarify details of the strike, maritime traffic in the area remains on edge.

Officials in India and Oman are working to repatriate the bodies and provide necessary assistance to affected families. The incident is likely to feature prominently in ongoing diplomatic engagements as major powers seek to prevent further escalation around the critical chokepoint of Hormuz.