DGS Circular No. 15 of 2025, dated 25.04.2025, concerns a maritime advisory to all Indian seafarers and Indian flagged vessels, referencing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advisory dated 24.04.2025. It advises caution for Indian flagged vessels and Indian seafarers calling at ports of Pakistan or operating/transiting in the region, in light of the MEA advisory of the same date. Stakeholders are advised to monitor the Directorate's website for updates. Contact information for the DG Comm Centre (MMDAC) is provided: Email: dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in, WhatsApp No.: (+91) 8657549760, Alternate Numbers: (+91) 22 22613606 / (+91) 8657549760 / (+91) 8657549752. The circular is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority. The MEA advisory issued on 24.04.2025 which is enclosed indicates the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Valid visas stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas will be valid until 29 April 2025. Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before visa expiry. Indian nationals are advised to avoid travel to Pakistan and those in Pakistan are advised to return to India.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Issued advisory regarding Pakistan travel, referenced by the DGS circular.
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): Issuer of the maritime advisory for Indian seafarers and vessels.
Pakistan: Location of ports for which Indian flagged vessels are advised to exercise due caution.
F. No. 23-MISC/30/2025-CREW - DGS (C. No. 34082) Date: 25.04.2025
ADVISORY
DGS Circular No. 15 of 2025
Subject: Maritime Advisory to all Indian seafarers and Indian flagged vessels in reference to
the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Advisory dated 24.04.2025 - reg.
1. Kind reference is made to the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA),
Government of India, dated 24.04.2025. In view of the same, all Indian flagged vessels and Indian
seafarers calling at ports of Pakistan are advised to exercise due caution while operating in or
transiting through the region.
2. All concerned stakeholders are required to monitor the Directorate’s official website for any
further updates. The DG Comm Centre may be contacted in case of any assistance or queries, details
as provided below:
MMDAC (DGCOMM CENTRE)
Email: dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in
Whatsapp No.: (+91) 8657549760
Alternate Numbers: (+91) 22 22613606 / (+91) 8657549760 / (+91) 8657549752
3. This is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Capt. (Dr.) Daniel J Joseph
Dy. Director General of Shipping
Enclosure(s): Copy of the MEA advisory issued on 24.04.2025