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[Indian Ships Become Mainstay of Strait of Hormuz Transit, Seafarer Safety Raises Alarm Amid US-Iran Standoff] ⑴ Since the brief ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran in June, ships destined for India have accounted for approximately 20% of transit applications in the Strait of Hormuz, almost on par with China, while other Asian regions and routes within the Gulf account for the remaining major share. ⑵ However, with the US launching a new round of attacks, Iran announcing the closure of the strait and establishing the Persian Gulf Straits Authority to implement access control, the passage order of this vital waterway has been completely reshaped by geopolitical conflict. Iran has clearly stated that as long as the US attacks continue, not a single drop of oil or gas will be transported out through this waterway. ⑶ In recent days, Indian seafarers have been injured in attacks in the surrounding area. New Delhi has urgently ordered ship owners and agents to prohibit the deployment of their own crew members to routes that require passage through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the employment and safety of more than 300,000 Indian seafarers worldwide. (4) The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz to Tehran and accuses the United States of creating insecurity, while the U.S. Central Command emphasizes that the Strait and surrounding waters remain free and open, except for ships restricted by its steel blockade. This conflicting stance has created extreme ambiguity regarding the actual rules of navigation. (5) From a shipping psychology perspective, soaring insurance rates and increased shipowner avoidance will substantially increase the landed costs of goods destined for India. Close attention needs to be paid to the economic viability of alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope, and whether the Indian government will extend its ban on seafarer deployments to a wider area.