India Orders Enhanced Vigilance For Ships With Indian Seafarers In Gulf Of Aden Amid Piracy Resurgence

India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has issued a security advisory asking Indian-flagged ships and foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers to exercise extra caution while sailing through the Gulf of Aden and waters off the Horn of Africa after piracy incidents resurfaced in the region.

The advisory, issued under DGMA Circular No. 40 of 2026, comes after several piracy incidents have been reported since April 2026.

It is aimed at protecting Indian seafarers, ships and cargo operating through one of the world’s busiest shipping routes connecting Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The DGMA has asked shipowners, operators, Masters, Company Security Officers (CSOs) and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies to strictly follow the latest Best Management Practices (BMP 5) to protect ships against piracy and other maritime security threats while transiting the High-Risk Area (HRA).

The authority also directed companies to carry out detailed ship security risk assessments before entering the High-Risk Area and ensure Ship Security Plans are updated and properly implemented.

According to the advisory, vessels should maintain a continuous lookout while transiting the region and ensure crew members move to the citadel if a piracy attack takes place.

The DGMA also called for regular anti-piracy drills and security briefings to keep crews prepared. Ships have been advised to register their voyages with the appropriate maritime security reporting centres before entering the area.

In addition, vessels should regularly monitor security updates issued by the DGMA, the Indian Navy, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).

The Gulf of Aden and nearby waters are a key international shipping route linking Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Following the recent rise in piracy incidents, the DGMA has asked the maritime industry to strengthen onboard security measures and follow internationally recognised anti-piracy procedures.

The authority said continuous vigilance, regular risk assessments and close coordination with naval and maritime security agencies are essential to reduce piracy risks and protect Indian seafarers operating in the region.

The measures are intended to safeguard lives, improve the security of ships and cargo, and support the uninterrupted movement of maritime trade through the busy shipping corridor.

References: indiashippingnews, moneycontrol