The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has directed shipping companies and maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers to Middle East conflict zones until further orders, following the deaths of three Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello after a US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast. The advisory, issued via a formal circular, marks a significant escalation in India's official response to the deteriorating maritime security situation in the Gulf region.

What the DGS Circular Directs

The circular instructs masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region — including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters — to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings and advisories from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and company security procedures.

On the deployment front, the DGS was unambiguous: 'This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency situations with the consent of crew members,' the circular states.

Incidents That Triggered the Advisory

The DGS circular specifically cited a cluster of recent security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters. The vessels named — MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Jalveer — were all affected within a short span, underscoring what the Directorate described as 'increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region.'

The death of three of the 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello following a US military strike was the immediate catalyst. This is among the most serious incidents involving Indian maritime nationals in the Gulf in recent memory.

India's Diplomatic Protest

The advisory comes alongside a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi. India summoned the US charge d'affaires in New Delhi on Wednesday to register a formal protest against the attack. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar subsequently spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday to lodge a strong protest over the deaths.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated: 'Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.' The directness of the language signals that New Delhi views the incident as a serious breach, even as it navigates its broader strategic relationship with Washington.

Coordination and Monitoring

The DGS said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers. All maritime companies and stakeholders have been asked to exercise 'the highest degree of vigilance and caution' while operating in the conflict zone.

What Happens Next

The restriction on deployment remains in place 'until further orders,' giving the DGS flexibility to lift or tighten the advisory as the situation evolves. With the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil trade — remaining tense, the safety calculus for Indian seafarers in the region is unlikely to ease quickly. Industry bodies and shipping firms will be watching for follow-up guidance on crew relief logistics and insurance implications for vessels already in the zone.