India's maritime regulator has sounded a fresh warning on Tuesday as the security situation across key shipping routes in West Asia continues to deteriorate, with commercial vessels facing rising threats.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said it is "closely monitoring evolving security situation in Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas", even as hostilities in the region intensify. The advisory, issued to maritime stakeholders, urges companies and vessel operators to remain cautious while operating in these waters.

In its latest communication, the DGS asked operators to tighten safety protocols, stating: "Operators must ensure hightened vigilance, voyage-specific risk assessments, report suspicious activity immediately." The regulator flagged risks ranging from missile and drone strikes to electronic interference, all of which could disrupt navigation and vessel safety.

The warning comes against the backdrop of recent casualties involving Indian crew. Earlier on Tuesday, the DGS confirmed that three Indian seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels were killed and another injured in separate incidents linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia.

According to the regulator, four incidents involving Indian crew members have been reported across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and nearby sea lanes areas that are critical to global energy and trade flows.

Despite the heightened risks, authorities said there have been no confirmed casualties, detentions or boarding incidents involving Indian-flagged ships so far. Such vessels continue to operate in the region, though under close surveillance.

Source: ET Infra. Com 

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