NEW DELHI — India has issued a directive telling shipowners, vessel managers, and maritime recruitment companies to halt the assignment of Indian sailors to ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, as fighting in the Middle East continues to intensify.
The country ranks as the world’s third-largest source of maritime workers, with more than 300,000 sailors currently employed across international shipping fleets, according to government figures.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping released the order late Wednesday, stating: “No deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.”
The ban comes after two Indian sailors were killed in separate attacks on ships in the area within a three-day span, as regional tensions continue to rise.
The shipping authority noted that recent assaults on commercial vessels have “significantly” increased the dangers facing crew members and ships operating in the conflict zone.
The agency’s order further stated: “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.”
Ship captains were also instructed to remain highly alert to the security environment in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waters, and to keep a close watch on navigational safety warnings.
In addition, India formally registered a strong protest with Iran on Tuesday, summoning the country’s deputy ambassador in connection with one of the deaths.
