India Bars deployment of Indian seafarers in Hormuz amid escalating conflict; order issued

July 16, 2026

In view of the escalating security risks in the Gulf region, India has suspended the deployment of new Indian seafarers on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.

This directive applies to ship owners, ship management companies, and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies that recruit seafarers.

The government has instructed all maritime companies to exercise heightened vigilance in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjacent waters. They have also been directed to continuously monitor all navigational warnings and security advisories and to strictly adhere to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

14 Indian Seafarers lost their lives since conflict

This government decision comes after two Indian seafarers lost their lives in Iranian attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. The risk of attacks on this maritime route has increased following the US-Iran conflict. According to reports, at least 14 Indian seafarers have lost their lives in attacks in this region since February 28.

Only 9 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is steadily declining. Citing data from the maritime analytics firm Kpler, Reuters reported that only nine ships traversed this route on Wednesday, down from 13 on Tuesday.

According to the report, most ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday utilized the Iranian side of the waterway.

Data indicates that no Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) or LNG tankers were observed passing through this route on Wednesday.

Directives to halt Indian seafarer deployment on the Hormuz route
The Government of India has issued instructions to temporarily halt the deployment of Indian seafarers on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued orders to this effect to shipping companies, ship management firms, and crew recruitment agencies. The DGS stated that this precautionary measure has been taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in light of the deteriorating security situation in the Persian Gulf. This decision comes at a time when two Indian seafarers have lost their lives in Iranian attacks this week.

According to the United Nations, at least 14 seafarers have lost their lives in attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28. This includes three Indian seafarers killed in an attack off the coast of Oman on June 9. The government has stated that this directive will remain in effect until the situation normalizes.