Following rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, the DGMA has directed shipping firms to halt the deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels traversing the volatile Strait of Hormuz.

Key Takeaways

  • The DGMA has instructed ship owners and managers to avoid deploying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The advisory comes in response to heightened security risks caused by the US-Iran conflict in the Gulf region.
  • At least 13 Indian sailors have lost their lives in the region since the escalation began in February 2026.
  • Vessels in the Persian Gulf are urged to maintain extreme vigilance and follow ISPS security protocols.

In a decisive move to protect its maritime workforce, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued a critical advisory to shipping stakeholders. Through Circular No. 36 of 2026, the DGMA has directed ship owners, managers, and RPSL companies to refrain from deploying Indian seafarers on any vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz. This directive aims to mitigate the risks posed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

Geopolitical Volatility and the US-Iran Conflict

The escalation of hostilities in West Asia has transformed vital maritime corridors into high-risk zones. Tensions have soared following strategic strikes by the US Central Command on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory strikes from Tehran against US facilities in the Gulf. The situation reached a boiling point with President Donald Trump's announcement of a blockade of the Hormuz Strait for Iranian vessels, effectively turning one of the world's most important oil transit points into a potential combat zone.

The Human Cost: Protecting Indian Lives

The necessity of this advisory is underscored by the tragic loss of lives. The maritime community is still reeling from the recent death of an Indian seafarer, who went missing following an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged vessel. This incident is part of a grim pattern; since the outbreak of the US-Iran war on February 28, 2026, a total of 13 Indian sailors have died due to the escalating violence in the region. The Indian government's intervention is a direct response to this growing humanitarian concern.

Strict Adherence to Maritime Security Protocols

Beyond the deployment restrictions, the DGMA has mandated that all vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters must maintain a heightened state of security vigilance. Ship masters are required to continuously monitor navigational warnings and implement all applicable Ship Security Measures (SSM) and Ship Security Plans (SSP) in strict accordance with the ISPS Code. This proactive stance highlights India's commitment to ensuring that its citizens are not caught in the crossfire of global geopolitical shifts.