India Bars Seafarers from Hormuz Route Amid Escalating Regional Conflict

Amid escalating tensions and renewed fighting in the Middle East, India has issued a directive to shipowners, managers, and recruitment companies, ordering them not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz. This precautionary measure comes in response to heightened security risks in the region.

The decision by the Directorate General of Shipping follows the recent deaths of two Indian seafarers in attacks on vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. The regulator noted a significant increase in risks for seafarers and commercial ships in the conflict-affected zone. India is a major global supplier of seafarers, with over 300,000 sailors working on international shipping fleets, according to government data.

The order explicitly states, "No deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders." Masters of vessels have also been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance regarding the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjacent waters, including continuous monitoring of navigational warnings.

In response to the rising violence, New Delhi has also lodged a strong protest with Iran, summoning its deputy ambassador following one of the recent fatalities. The enhanced measures aim to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on ships operating in this volatile region.