The Indian government this week told shipping companies and maritime recruiting agencies not to assign its country’s mariners to commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration issued the order on Wednesday, citing the worsening security situation in the Persian Gulf amid the attacks on commercial ships.
“Recent developments in the Gulf Region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, have resulted in multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers,” government officials in New Delhi said. “Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer during the past few days have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region.”
India is the third-largest supplier of commercial mariners, behind the Philippines and China. According to government data, more than 300,000 Indians are serving on merchant ships worldwide.
“In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers, and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region,” Indian officials said.
On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry officials in New Delhi lodged a protest with Iran over the attacks on ships crewed by Indian seafarers.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
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