India orders shipowners not to deploy seafarers on Hormuz routes

India has instructed its shipowners and recruitment agencies to stop assigning Indian seafarers to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes amid escalating tensions and recent attacks in the Middle East that have claimed the lives of two Indian sailors in the past three days.

“

No deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

The Directorate General of Shipping issued an order late Wednesday stating, "No deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders." The regulator highlighted that recent attacks have "significantly" increased the risks for seafarers and commercial shipping in the conflict-affected area.

"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 read. Masters of vessels were also directed to maintain vigilance regarding the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjacent waters, and to continuously monitor navigational warnings.

“

significantly

India, the world's third-largest provider of seafarers with over 300,000 sailors globally, also lodged a strong protest with Iran. The country summoned Iran's deputy ambassador on Tuesday to address one of the fatal incidents.

“

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.