The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has advised Indian seafarers and maritime stakeholders to remain vigilant in view of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
In an official circular, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) directed seafarers to strictly follow advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Tehran, and to exercise utmost caution while operating in Iranian waters and surrounding regions.
The DGS instructed all RPSL companies and shipping firms not to deploy Indian seafarers to Iran until further notice. Indian seafarers currently in Iran have been advised to closely monitor official updates and adhere to safety instructions issued from time to time.
“All Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers onboard foreign-flag vessels calling at Iranian ports or transiting through the Strait of Hormuz must exercise utmost caution, keeping in view the prevailing security situation,” the circular stated.
The DGS has also asked all RPSL and shipping companies, trade unions and other stakeholders to submit details of Indian seafarers currently in Iran or nearby waters to the Crew Branch to facilitate monitoring and coordination.
Meanwhile, a high-level review meeting was convened via video conference with the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with senior officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators and major airport authorities.
The meeting focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination amid multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued across parts of the region. Indian carriers operating international services have been directed to continuously monitor airspace advisories and route restrictions, and to undertake timely rerouting or diversion of flights in line with global safety protocols.
The advisory comes amid heightened tensions following reported joint missile strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which led to explosions in Tehran and other major cities. Iranian state media has claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, and the country has declared 40 days of public mourning.
Authorities have reiterated that safety of Indian nationals, including seafarers and airline passengers, remains the top priority as the situation continues to evolve.
