A majority of commercial vessels heading to India are switching off their tracking systems while crossing the Strait of Hormuz to avoid potential Iranian attacks, according to maritime data. Intelligence firm Kpler reported that about 62 percent of tankers and cargo ships traveling from the Persian Gulf to India between May 1 and June 25 went dark by disabling their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders. Ships flying flags of Western-allied or Iran-adversarial nations face higher risks and are mainly using the Oman-controlled corridor, which is supported by the United States and Oman but not recognized by Iran.

The data showed that 73 India-bound ships crossed the strait during the period, with 45 concealing their identity. Only four carried the Indian flag, two of which hid their route information. Vessels registered in Panama, Liberia, the UAE, and the Marshall Islands also turned off their transponders. The security situation has worsened since late February, with Iran frequently changing navigation rules and incidents of attacks near Iranian-controlled waters.

Despite temporary U.S.- and IMO-backed escort operations, ships continue to travel with transponders off, reflecting persistent insecurity in the region.