The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed shipping companies to avoid deploying Indian sailors on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the heightened security situation in the Gulf region. In an advisory to ship owners, ship managers, and personnel management firms, the DGMA warned against deployment of Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.
In view of the heightened security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA), through DGMA Circular No. 36 of 2026, has directed Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, the Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement.
The DGMA has urged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjoining waters to maintain heightened vigil and monitor navigational warnings and security advisories. Masters of vessels operating in the region have been advised to implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans, and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the ISPS Code.
The development comes as tensions have soared in West Asia following the attack by US Central Command on Iranian targets, which has met with retaliation from Tehran. The situation has resulted in the death of an Indian seafarer who went missing after a Cyprus-flagged ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by Iran. As many as 13 Indian sailors have died in the region since the US-Iran war began.
The Indian government has condemned the attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region and has called for an immediate cessation of violence and restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways. The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission and lodged a strong protest against the attacks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also flagged the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the crisis, urging all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently concluded a visit to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman before heading to the US.
