From Hormuz to Gulf of Oman: 18,000 Indian seafarers on alert amid threats
India has issued a fresh maritime security advisory for nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of
India has issued a fresh maritime security advisory for nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman after a series of attacks on merchant vessels heightened concerns over their safety amid the Middle East conflict. In its advisory, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) directed ships and crews operating in Iranian waters, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Persian Gulf to maintain heightened vigilance amid escalating threats. Read Full Story The advisory follows three recent attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members, including a deadly incident off the coast of Oman in which three sailors were killed.
The sailors were reported missing after the attack on the tanker, which the US said was carrying Iranian oil and had failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces. Official estimates show that 622 Indian seafarers aboard 13 India-flagged vessels are currently operating in waters to the west and east of the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 18,000 Indian nationals are employed on hundreds of foreign-flagged merchant ships across the wider Gulf region, making India one of the countries most exposed to the deteriorating maritime security situation. Under the latest advisory, ship operators, owners and masters have been directed to conduct comprehensive security drills, test Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS), maintain enhanced watches, closely monitor navigational warnings and strictly adhere to reporting and communication protocols.
The advisory also calls for continuous vigilance against evolving threats, including drones, missiles, loitering munitions and unmanned surface vessels. The DGS has instructed vessels and crews to immediately report suspicious activity, security threats or maritime incidents to designated Indian authorities, including the DGComm Centre and the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). India has the world's second-largest seafaring workforce, with around 3.2 lakh Indian seafarers serving on vessels globally, making the safety of merchant shipping a significant national concern. Meanwhile, New Delhi has adopted a firm diplomatic position following the latest attacks. The government has lodged a strong protest with the US over incidents involving merchant vessels and the deaths of Indian crew members, while stepping up coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, foreign governments and maritime agencies to safeguard Indian nationals and maritime assets.
The BriefWire