India has ordered shipowners and crewing agencies not to employ Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported this on July 16, citing sources.

“Until further notice, the deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels making voyages through the Strait of Hormuz is prohibited,” India’s Directorate General of Shipping said.

The maritime regulator said that recent attacks on vessels have significantly increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected area.

The authority also urged ship captains to remain sufficiently vigilant regarding the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and adjacent waters.

Earlier, the International Maritime Organization said that the Strait of Hormuz had become too dangerous for ships amid a new wave of escalation in the Middle East.