India is the world's third-largest supplier of seafarers, with more than 300,000 Indian sailors employed on merchant vessels worldwide, according to government data
New Delhi: India has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment agencies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, citing the worsening security situation in the region amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
The directive was issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on Wednesday, days after two Indian seafarers were killed in separate attacks on commercial vessels operating in the region.
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In its order, the DGMA instructed shipping companies to refrain from assigning Indian crew members to vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders,” the order said.
The maritime regulator said recent attacks on commercial shipping had significantly increased the risks faced by seafarers operating in the conflict-hit region.
“In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region,” the order stated.
The DGMA also asked masters of vessels to remain vigilant, continuously monitor the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, and keep track of navigational and security warnings.
The regulator said it would continue to closely monitor developments and remained committed to ensuring the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers.
India is the world's third-largest supplier of seafarers, with more than 300,000 Indian sailors employed on merchant vessels worldwide, according to government data.
The advisory follows the deaths of two Indian nationals in separate attacks on ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
Rohan Kumar, a 31-year-old from Bihar's Gopalganj district, was killed during missile attacks on two Emirati oil tankers — MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah — in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Gopalganj District Magistrate Sameer Saurabh said an official had been deputed to assist the family with formalities for repatriating the body.
In a separate incident, 30-year-old Herambh Karmarkar from Pune was confirmed dead after an attack on the cargo vessel **MV GFS Galaxy** off the coast of Oman. He had initially been reported missing following the attack.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai expressed condolences over Karmarkar's death, describing it as a tragic loss.
Following the incidents, Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday. During the meeting, Joint Secretary Anand Prakash lodged a strong protest over the attacks and raised concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals working in the region.
Published: 16 Jul 2026, 01:59 pm IST
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