Ban on deployment of Indian sailors on Hormuz route, DGMA issues advisory; Government’s decision amid Gulf crisis

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 17, 2026

DGMA Advisory To Indian Seafarers: In view of the increasing tension between America and Iran, the Indian government has taken a big step for the safety of Indian sailors. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued an instruction to ship management companies, ship owners and recruitment agencies. DGMA has directed not to deploy Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders. DGMA has also issued an advisory to the captains of all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and surrounding sea areas to exercise security caution.

Ban on deployment of Indian sailors

In view of the security situation in the Gulf region, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) vide DGMA Circular No. 36/2026 has directed shipowners, ship managers and RPSL companies not to deploy Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

Advisory for Indian Maritime Stakeholders
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… pic.twitter.com/s8XgKI1ifn
— Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (@dgshipping_IN) July 15, 2026

Union Minister held review meeting

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a review meeting with relevant stakeholders to deal with the growing maritime security crisis in West Asia. The meeting also adopted a ‘Sailor-First’ approach for the safety of every Indian seafarer serving in the conflict-affected area in West Asia. The policy of (Seafarer-First) was discussed. Sharing the information on his X handle, the minister wrote that I have ordered real-time monitoring of every ship in the Gulf waters and 24’7 coordination.

Chaired a review meeting with related stakeholders to address the escalating maritime security crisis in West Asia. An unprecedented Seafarer-First response is being undertaken to safeguard every Indian seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region.
I convey my deepest… pic.twitter.com/UeqwSc836R
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) July 14, 2026

Appointment of officer to assist sailors

The minister said that he has been asked to prepare a comprehensive operational dashboard to have information about every Indian present on every ship operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Additionally, a dedicated liaison officer will be the single-point-of-contact for every affected Indian seafarer to provide seamless support to their families.

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Decision taken after recent attacks

Recently two ships named MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah were attacked. There were 46 members including the crew on board. 30 Indian sailors were also included in this. An Indian sailor was killed and several others were injured in this attack. In view of this, this decision has been taken by the government.