DGS withdraws restriction on the movement of Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz

The Directorate General of Shipping has withdrawn its earlier advisory restricting the movement of Indian ships along the Gulf Region, including the Strait of Hormuz, and deployment of Indian seafarers in the conflict zones, while asking maritime stakeholders to maintain heightened level of caution and closely monitor navigational warnings.

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The shipping regulator, in a revised order issued on Friday (June 28, 2026), clarified that there was no restriction for Indian ship owners/managers/Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies to continue the operation of ships and deployment of Indian seafarers in and out of the Persian Gulf region by following the security protocols of the Coastal States and security agencies. It advised the stakeholders to maintain caution while operating in the Persian Gulf region. 

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in close coordination with Coastal States and industry partners, had initiated measures for the evacuation of stranded seafarers through a coordinated mechanism involving IMO, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness (MICA) Center, the communication said.

A day after the advisory was issued, the U.S. launched strikes on Iran which retaliated by attacking targets in Kuwait and Bahrain. The DGS said that it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

Days after the U.S. strike on MT Settebello off the Coast of Oman which left 3 Indian seafarers dead, the DGS on June 13, 2026, had restricted the movement of Indian ships and deployment of Indian seafarers in the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, citing multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

Heightened security vigilance 

Masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, were advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and other warnings or instructions received from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and Company Security Procedures.

The DGS also asked the Masters, shipboard personnel, RPSL companies, ship owners and maritime stakeholders to follow the advisory issued by the Embassy of India, Tehran, on June 24, 2026, providing guidance for Indian nationals regarding travel and residence in Iran.