India bars seafarers from Strait of Hormuz voyages after attacks

India has issued a directive halting the deployment of its seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global trade. The Directorate-General of Shipping announced late on July 15 that Indian seafarers should not be assigned to voyages through the waterway "until further orders."

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until further orders

This decision comes in response to a recent escalation of hostilities between Iran and the United States, which has led to a series of attacks on ships in and around the Strait. Tragically, one Indian seafarer lost their life in these recent incidents. The International Maritime Organization has previously warned about the heightened dangers in the area for commercial shipping.

India ranks as the second-largest global supplier of seafarers, with over 310,000 Indian nationals working on merchant ships, according to estimates from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping. This precautionary measure taken by India echoes a similar, temporary ban imposed by the Philippines, the world's leading supplier of seafarers, on deploying its nationals to the Persian Gulf. That restriction was later eased.

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over the past few days have increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected area significantly

The directorate emphasized the need for "heightened security vigilance in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters," urging continuous monitoring of navigational warnings and security advisories. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to international markets, historically facilitated about one-fifth of the world's daily oil supply during peacetime. Control over this vital waterway is currently a point of contention between Tehran and Washington.

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heightened security vigilance in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters