India Halts Seafarer Deployment in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Risks

Following a series of attacks on commercial vessels, the Indian maritime regulator has directed shipping firms to cease the deployment of Indian sailors through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.

NEW DELHI – In a move to prioritize the safety and security of its maritime workforce, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued a mandatory directive prohibiting ship owners, managers, and recruitment agencies from assigning Indian seafarers to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The order, which took effect on July 15, 2026, comes in response to escalating hostilities in the region that have directly endangered commercial shipping and resulted in casualties among Indian personnel.

The advisory, issued as DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, reflects the government’s deepening concern over the security environment in the Persian Gulf. Recent attacks on multiple merchant vessels, including the MT Al Bahiyah, MT Mombasa, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN, and AL REKAYYAT, have highlighted the extreme vulnerability of crews operating in this strategic chokepoint.

Government Mandate and Security Measures

The DGMA’s directive is binding for all Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies and shipping entities employing Indian nationals. The government has emphasized that the welfare of Indian seafarers remains the core mandate of the maritime administration.

In addition to the deployment freeze, the DGMA has issued strict operational requirements for vessels already operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman:

• Heightened Vigilance: Masters must maintain a maximum level of security awareness and adhere strictly to their Ship Security Plans.

• Compliance: Full implementation of security protocols under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is required.

• Continuous Monitoring: Vessels are directed to monitor official navigational warnings and security advisories from competent authorities in real-time.

To further bolster oversight, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered the establishment of a comprehensive, vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard. This system will track the status and location of every Indian seafarer in the region, regardless of the vessel’s flag, ensuring the state can respond rapidly to emergencies.

Official Sources

• Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA): Issued the official directive (Circular No. 36 of 2026) regarding the suspension of deployments.

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Coordinating the government's response and the establishment of the real-time seafarer tracking dashboard.

• Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): Designated as a primary point of contact for maritime emergencies and security coordination.

Quote Section

"Ship owners, ship managers, and RPSL companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further order," the DGMA stated in its circular.

Organizers stated that the safety, security, and welfare of Indian seafarers remain at the core of the administration’s responsibilities, necessitating these enhanced precautionary measures in light of the deteriorating security situation.

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling roughly 20% of global crude oil and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Any disruption here has immediate global impacts on energy costs and trade stability. For India, which is one of the largest suppliers of merchant navy personnel globally, the safety of its citizens is paramount. The directive signifies a cautious shift in policy, prioritizing human life over commercial continuity in a region currently experiencing significant military volatility.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Directive Scope: Applies to all Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz; deployment is prohibited until further notice.

• Operational Context: Follows recent strikes on merchant ships like the MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa that resulted in Indian casualties.

• Emergency Contact: Seafarers in distress are instructed to contact the Maritime Domain Awareness Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s IFC-IOR.

• Real-time Tracking: A new government-led dashboard is being implemented to account for all Indian nationals on ships in the Gulf region.

FAQ Section

What should shipping companies do if they have Indian crew currently in the region? The advisory focuses on halting new deployments. Companies are expected to maintain heightened security protocols and report any incidents involving Indian seafarers to the DGMA and the IFC-IOR immediately.

Is this ban permanent? No, it is in effect "until further orders," contingent upon the improvement of the regional security situation.

How can Indian seafarers seek help in an emergency? Seafarers are advised to contact the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for urgent assistance.

Source: Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Indian Navy IFC-IOR