'Avoid deploying Indian seafarers': Centre tells ship owners as Iran war reignites

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf.The advisory, according to news agency IANS, follows a sharp rise in attacks on commercial vessels operating in and around the strategically vital waterway, raising concerns over the safety of Indian crew members serving on international ships.In a post on X, the maritime regulator said the decision had been taken to protect the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers as hostilities in the region continue to intensify.The DGMA noted that several merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT, have recently come under attack, highlighting the growing risks to commercial shipping and crews transiting the area.Besides restricting…