Stay indoors, avoid sensitive locations: India steps up safety measures for sailors as war with Iran continues

India has strengthened safety protocols for seafarers and stabilized maritime trade operations amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Shipping of India in a directive issued Notification No. 21 of 2026 laying down preventive measures for Indian seafarers operating in and around Iranian waters. The advisory calls on people currently ashore to stay indoors, avoid sensitive areas and coordinate any actions with the Indian embassy. Seafarers on board are asked to remain on board and avoid unnecessary disembarkation.The notice emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance, urging staff to closely follow official updates and maintain ongoing contact with company representatives and authorities. It also provides emergency contact details so that assistance can be provided immediately, focusing on ensuring safety in the current situation.At the same time, the bureau has introduced a series of measures aimed at keeping maritime trade running smoothly despite disruptions. These include ensuring that port concessions are passed directly to exporters, increasing transparency on freight and war risk premiums, and requiring proper documentation of any additional charges imposed.

To address concerns raised by stakeholders, a stronger centralized tracking grievance redressal system was introduced, while coordination among stakeholders was enhanced to expedite issue resolution. We are also working to ease the movement of goods, particularly those that have been delayed or diverted, while maintaining operational continuity and protecting the interests of exporters.Meanwhile, an LPG carrier named Green Asha arrived at India’s busiest container port. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Thursday took delivery of the Indian-flagged ship carrying 15,400 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as it transited the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.“Today, JNPA proudly welcomed Green Asha, an Indian-flagged LPG vessel, which has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and berthed at the JNPA liquid berth operated by BPCL-IOCL,” the port authority said in a release.JNPA called the arrival a milestone, noting that it was the first such vessel to arrive at the port since the start of the war. The ship carried 15,400 tons of liquefied petroleum gas.“The ship, its cargo and every crew member are safe. This arrival highlights the ability of offshore operations to operate in complex geopolitical conditions while ensuring a stable supply of the country’s essential liquefied petroleum gas,” the statement said.The port in Navi Mumbai, also known as JNPT or Nhava Sheva, plays a key role in India’s energy supply chain, handling large volumes of container and liquid cargo. However, conflicts in West Asia have affected energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz.