<h4 data-path-to-node="3" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="0" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;">Critical Security Alert Issued Across Major West Asian Shipping Corridors</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="4" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-114" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-135" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"></span><b data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">MUMBAI</b><span class="citation-135 citation-end-135" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> — The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, has formally released Regional Maritime Security Advisory Update 12/26, raising the official security threat status across vital West Asian transit lanes—including the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Bab-al-Mandab Strait, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden—to "Critical."<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="3" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="5" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-115" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-134 citation-end-134" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The emergency directive highlights a sharp deterioration in operational maritime safety following recent projectile strikes, electronic GPS/AIS signal spoofing, and asymmetric attacks targeting merchant shipping.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="4" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span> <span class="citation-133 citation-end-133" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">According to data monitored by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), at least 12 direct attacks on commercial vessels have been recorded across the Strait of Hormuz and upper-Gulf corridors alone since earlier this month, resulting in seafarer casualties, vessel structural damage, and severe navigational disruption.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="5" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><h4 data-path-to-node="7" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;">Escalating Vulnerabilities along the Bab-al-Mandab and Red Sea Corridors</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="8" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-116" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-132 citation-end-132" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">The advisory emphasizes that conditions along the Bab-al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea have worsened following an operational embargo targeting Saudi-linked and regional commercial assets.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="6" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span> <span class="citation-131 citation-end-131" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Since the declaration, tracking data reveals that 13 commercial vessels have executed abrupt course reversals or abandoned scheduled transits into Red Sea ports, while a crude tanker was struck in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="7" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><p data-path-to-node="9" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-117" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-130 citation-end-130" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">In response to widespread jamming and disruption of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), DG Shipping has advised Indian shipowners, vessel operators, and chartering desks to reconsider non-essential commercial voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until security parameters stabilize.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="8" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><h4 data-path-to-node="11" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="0" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;">Mandatory Protocols and Onboard Security Frameworks</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="12" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-118" style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-129 citation-end-129" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">To mitigate exposure and protect Indian mariners operating aboard Indian and foreign-flagged merchant fleets, DG Shipping has directed Company Security Officers (CSOs) and Ship Masters to enforce strict risk mitigation measures:<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="9" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p><ol start="1" data-path-to-node="13" style="padding-inline-start: 32px; font-family: &quot;Google Sans Text&quot;, sans-serif !important; line-height: 1.15 !important;"><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,0,0" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-119" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-128" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"></span><b data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Mandatory Voyage Risk Assessments:</b><span class="citation-128 citation-end-128" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> Conduct individual, voyage-specific threat evaluations before entering designated High Risk Areas (HRAs) and ensure war-risk insurance provisions and Flag State compliance are fully verified.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="10" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,1,0" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-120" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="13,1,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Navigational &amp; Signal Resilience:</b><span class="citation-127 citation-end-127" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> Maintain active radar, lookouts, and independent manual positioning capabilities to counter ongoing electronic GNSS/AIS interference.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="11" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,2,0" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-121" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><b data-path-to-node="13,2,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Communication &amp; Reporting:</b><span class="citation-126 citation-end-126" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> Continuously monitor VHF Channel 16 and designated naval communication frequencies.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="12" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span> Any suspicious vessel approaches, electronic interference, or security incidents must be immediately reported to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and the 24/7 DG Communication Centre (MMDAC).<sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> <source-inline-chip _ngcontent-ng-c1276579682="" _nghost-ng-c643572535="" class="ng-star-inserted" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><!----><!----><!----><!----><!----></source-inline-chip><!----><!----><!----></sources-carousel-inline></p></li><li style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><p data-path-to-node="13,3,0" id="p-rc_20fe583213c68677-122" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><span class="citation-125" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"></span><b data-path-to-node="13,3,0" data-index-in-node="0" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;">Seafarer Protection:</b><span class="citation-125 citation-end-125" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"> Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have been instructed to restrict crew deployments to active conflict zones and permit crew changes only under express emergency protocols and voluntary seafarer consent.<source-footnote ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c318024766="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"><sup _ngcontent-ng-c318024766="" class="superscript" data-turn-source-index="13" style="line-height: 1.15 !important; font-size: 16px !important; background-color: transparent !important;"><!----></sup></source-footnote></span><sources-carousel-inline ng-version="0.0.0-PLACEHOLDER" _nghost-ng-c1276579682="" style="line-height: 1.15 !important;"></sources-carousel-inline></p></li></ol>