Indian Seafarers Banned from Conflict Zones After Deadly US Strike

Just days after three Indian sailors lost their lives when a US military strike hit the MT Settebello near Oman, India’s shipping authority has stepped in with urgent action.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has told all maritime recruitment agencies to stop sending Indian seafarers to conflict zones until further notice. It’s a move that feels long overdue for many families who worry every time their loved ones set sail through troubled waters.

What Happened?

The MT Settebello was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it was struck off the Oman coast. While 21 sailors were rescued, three remain missing. Two other ships — MT Marivex and MV Jalveer — have also faced serious security incidents in the same region recently.

India didn’t stay quiet. The government summoned the US charge d’affaires to formally protest the attack, and the Ministry of External Affairs clearly condemned it.

What’s Changing Now?

The DGS circular outlines several key steps:

• Recruitment agencies must restrict or halt crew deployment to conflict areas
• Crew changes are only allowed in emergencies, and only with the sailor’s consent
• Ships in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman must stay on high security alert
• Captains must closely follow navigational warnings and tighten security procedures onboard

The Bigger Picture

All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of fresh hostilities between Iran and Israel, making the Gulf region increasingly dangerous for commercial shipping.

The DGS says it is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, and Indian missions abroad to protect seafarers’ safety. But for the families waiting at home, these assurances can only go so far.

The sea has always carried risk — but no sailor should sail into a war zone without warning or choice.