The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has lifted its advisory that restricted the movement of Indian vessels in the Gulf Region,including the Strait of Hormuz. This change,announced on Friday,June 28, 2026, also allows for deployment of Indian seafarers in conflict zones, although the DGS urged maritime stakeholders to exercise heightened caution and remain vigilant regarding navigational warnings .
In its revised order,the DGS clarified that Indian ship owners, managers, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies can operate their vessels and deploy seafarers in the Persian Gulf without needing special permissions. However, they must adhere to security protocols established by coastal states and relevant security agencies.
The advisory's withdrawal comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the region. Just a day after the initial advisory was issued,the United States conducted airstrikes on Iran,which retaliated by targeting sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. DGS is closely monitoring situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways,the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Navy,among others,to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.
Previously, on June 13,2026, the DGS had imposed restrictions following a U.S. strike on the MT Settebello off coast of Oman,which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. This decision was made due to series of security incidents involving merchant vessels with Indian seafarers onboard,particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
As part of its advisory, the DGS has instructed vessel masters operating in the Gulf region to maintain a high level of security awareness . They are advised to closely monitor navigational warnings and follow instructions from security agencies. DGS also emphasized the importance of implementing all necessary ship security measures and adhering to Company Security Procedures.
In addition,the DGS urged maritime stakeholders to follow guidance issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran on June 24,2026, which provides travel and residence advice for Indian nationals in Iran. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is also coordinating efforts with coastal states and industry partners to facilitate the evacuation of stranded seafarers through a structured mechanism involving the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness (MICA) Center.
