DGS Lifts Movement Restrictions for Indian Ships in Strait of Hormuz

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has officially withdrawn its restrictive advisory regarding the movement of Indian vessels and the deployment of seafarers in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. This decision marks a critical shift in maritime policy following a period of intense regional volatility and direct military escalations in West Asia.

From Restrictions to Heightened Vigilance

On June 28, 2026, the DGS issued a revised order clarifying that Indian ship owners, managers, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies are no longer prohibited from operating in the Gulf region. This follows a severe advisory issued on June 13, 2026, which had curtailed operations due to rising security threats in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

The previous restrictions were prompted by a series of security incidents, most notably the U.S. strike on the MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The situation reached a boiling point when U.S. strikes on Iran led to retaliatory attacks on targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, heightening the risk for merchant vessels navigating these vital choke points.

Coordinated International Response and Safety Protocols

While the blanket restriction has been lifted, the DGS has not signaled a return to normalcy. Instead, maritime stakeholders have been instructed to maintain a "heightened level of caution." Ship masters and personnel are required to strictly follow Company Security Procedures and monitor navigational warnings from security agencies.

The DGS emphasized that the safety of Indian nationals remains a priority, coordinating closely with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Indian Navy. Furthermore, the regulatory body highlighted the role of international mechanisms, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness (MICA) Center, in managing seafarer safety and potential evacuations.

The reversal of the advisory comes at a time when the maritime corridor remains sensitive to the ebb and flow of West Asian conflicts. By lifting the restriction, the DGS is attempting to balance the operational continuity of India's massive merchant fleet with the necessity of protecting its human capital—the seafarers who form the backbone of global trade.

Ship owners and RPSL agencies are specifically directed to adhere to the security protocols of Coastal States and the guidance provided by the Embassy of India in Tehran. This ensures that while commerce continues, the legal and physical safety of Indian crews is managed through official diplomatic and military channels.

What It Means for India

  • Energy Security and Trade Continuity: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for India's energy imports. Lifting these restrictions ensures that the movement of tankers and cargo vessels remains uninterrupted, preventing potential supply chain shocks and spikes in domestic fuel prices.
  • Protection of Maritime Human Capital: The move reflects a calibrated approach to safeguarding the lives of thousands of Indian seafarers. By shifting from a "restriction" model to a "heightened vigilance" model, the government seeks to provide operational freedom while maintaining a robust safety net through the Indian Navy and MEA.
  • Strategic Maritime Presence: Allowing Indian ships to continue operations in the Persian Gulf demonstrates India's intent to maintain its footprint in a strategically vital region, ensuring that Indian commercial interests are not sidelined during periods of geopolitical friction.